Cross attraction to various Spodoptera species using pheromone lures for native and exotic species.

Abstract

Previous research showed that the pheromone lure commercially formulated and produced for the exotic species Spodoptera exempta (Walker) also captured 2 native species, Spodoptera albula (Walker) and Spodoptera latifascia (Walker). This study expanded that work to identify the Spodoptera species that were attracted to lures specifically formulated for S. albula, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker), Spodoptera eridania (Stoll in Cramer), Spodoptera exempta (Walker), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), S. latifascia, Spodoptera litura (F.), and Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval). In all trapping sites in Texas and Florida, S. exempta lures attracted S. latifascia and S. albula moths, sometimes at densities of over 80 moths per night. These lures, along with those designed for S. latifascia and S. albula, provided seasonal information for other Spodoptera species that are not routinely monitored. Lures for the South American species S. cosmioides consistently attracted the native non-pest Spodoptera dolichos (F.). Lures formulated for Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) from the Old World and S. litura from Asia also attracted native species. Trapping in a strawberry production area highlighted the possibility that S. latifascia and S. albula are potential pest species. Trials comparing different plastic-colored traps suggest that all white and green traps attracted fewer Spodoptera species moths than standard-colored Unitraps, which are green, yellow, and white.