Egyptian cottonworm - Spodoptera littoralis
Effective: March 27, 2014 - December 31, 2020
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Noctuidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITBCFPA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Corn, Cotton, Grape, Oak, Small Grains, Solanaceous Hosts, Soybean
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3065
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITBCFPA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Trap | 18 - Plastic Bucket Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Method Notes:
Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol
4/23/18: Mesh screens for plastic bucket traps are now available for purchase through IPHIS survey supply. Product name: Plastic Bucket Traps, Mesh Screen.
October 15, 2014: The Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol (Brambila et al., 2014) has been revised. Please use the 2014 version, which is available in the References section below.
This trap is also known as the unitrap. The trap has a green canopy, yellow funnel, and white bucket and is used with a dry kill strip. For instructions on using the trap, see Brambila et al. (2014).
4/23/18: Mesh screens for plastic bucket traps are now available for purchase through IPHIS survey supply. Product name: Plastic Bucket Traps, Mesh Screen.
October 15, 2014: The Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol (Brambila et al., 2014) has been revised. Please use the 2014 version, which is available in the References section below.
This trap is also known as the unitrap. The trap has a green canopy, yellow funnel, and white bucket and is used with a dry kill strip. For instructions on using the trap, see Brambila et al. (2014).
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 43 | Spodoptera littoralis Lure | laminate | 84 days | Z9E11-14Ac Z9E12-14Ac |
|---|
Lure Attachment:
IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.
Lure Notes:
Place S. litura and S. littoralis lures in different traps and separate at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Though the lures for Spodoptera littoralis and S. litura are composed of the same two compounds (Z,E,9,11-14:AC and Z,E,9,12-14:AC), the compounds are loaded into the lure dispensers in different amounts depending on the target species. Therefore, it is necessary to use the specific lure for each of the two targets.
Though the lures for Spodoptera littoralis and S. litura are composed of the same two compounds (Z,E,9,11-14:AC and Z,E,9,12-14:AC), the compounds are loaded into the lure dispensers in different amounts depending on the target species. Therefore, it is necessary to use the specific lure for each of the two targets.
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological: Difficult to distinguish from S. litura without close examination of the genitalia. See the Field Diagnostics and Wing Diagnostics aids by Brambila (2008) for additional information.
Mistaken Identities:
Present in U.S.: Spodoptera dolichos, S. ornithogalli, S. latifascia and other Spodoptera species
Not present in U.S.: S. litura
Not present in U.S.: S. litura
References
- Brambila, J., L. D. Jackson, R. L. Meagher, D. Restom Gaskill, and A. Derksen. 2014. Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol.
- Passoa, S. Expanded field key to late instars of Spodoptera of America North of Mexico.
- Passoa, S. Simplified field key to late instars of Spodoptera of America North of Mexico.
- Passoa, S. 2007. Quarantine Significant Lepidoptera of Concern to the Southern United States. Presentation given at the Invasive Arthropod Workshop. Clemson University. May 7-9, 2007.
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.