Spodoptera ornithogalli

Definition

A noctuid moth species in the genus Spodoptera, commonly known as the yellow-striped armyworm. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants including agricultural crops, making this species an occasional pest in North American field agriculture. Adults are medium-sized, brownish-gray moths with distinctive forewing patterns; larvae are characterized by paired dark triangles along the dorsum and prominent yellow or orange stripes along the sides.

Etymology

Specific epithet from Greek ornithos (bird) and galli (Gallic, French), possibly alluding to the type locality or collector; genus Spodoptera from Greek spodos (ashes) and ptera (wings), referring to the dull, ashy wing coloration typical of the genus.

Example

Spodoptera ornithogalli larvae can be distinguished from the related fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) by the more prominent yellow lateral stripe and the paired dorsal triangles that do not form a continuous line.

Synonyms

• yellow-striped armyworm

Related Terms

• Spodoptera
• Noctuidae
• Armyworm
• Spodoptera frugiperda
• agricultural pest
• larval morphology

Usage Notes

The common name "yellow-striped armyworm" is shared with several Spodoptera species; precise identification requires examination of larval head capsule markings, pupal characters, or adult genitalia. This species is primarily Nearctic in distribution and less economically significant than S. frugiperda or S. exempta.