Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) male moths were collected in overwintering areas of southern Florida in different habitats to investigate seasonal distribution patterns. Moths were present in all distinct habitats and in areas not previously sampled. Two molecular markers were used to identify the host strain of collected moths. Rice strain moths were collected in higher numbers and in all habitats; corn strain moths were collected in agricultural and urban environments. Our techniques will provide a valuable sampling system to determine population ecology and migration habits of this important pest of agriculture in Florida and the U. S., and help in its control through genetic approaches.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Noctuidae Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm)
Keywords: mitochondrial markers, migration
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