HEAD CAPSULE MORPHOMETRY FOR LARVAL INSTAR DETERMINATION OF Spodoptera frugiperda IN MAIZE ECOSYSTEMS OF BOGOR, INDONESIA

Maydiah Retno Palupi, Dewi Sartiami, Ali Nurmansyah, Desi Septiani, Ravindra Chandra Joshi

Abstract


The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a highly invasive insect pest capable of attacking numerous plant families, including key Gramineae crops such as maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, and sugarcane. Spodoptera frugiperda larvae cause severe damage, primarily by feeding on the shoot apical meristem (SAM), often resulting in shoot formation failure. In the field, larval morphology shows considerable variation, making accurate identification of larval instars challenging. Correct instar classification is essential for effective monitoring and management. This study aimed to classify the larval instars of S. frugiperda using head capsule width (HCW) as the diagnostic character. Larval samples were collected from predetermined sampling points within each location in Bogor Regency, Indonesia: Ciomas, Cikarawang, and Cibeureum. Morphological features were examined using a stereomicroscope. The HCW data were analyzed using boxplots, while variations in body color, head color and pattern, 'Y' letter color, dorsal line color, and lateral line color were analyzed descriptively. Measurements established six larval instars with definitive corresponding HCW ranges: 1st (0.38–0.44 mm), 2nd (0.63–0.67 mm), 3rd (0.82–0.89 mm), 4th (1.24–1.33 mm), 5th (2.00–2.08 mm), 6th (2.72–2.82 mm). Significant morphological variations were noted across the observed larval color characters. Instars 1–2 lacked distinct markings, while instars 3–6 showed variable head patterns. The inverted 'Y' suture line varied from brown to yellow/yellowish-brown across all stages. Furthermore, measurements of pupa length, pupa width, forewing length, hind wing length, and wingspan in adult S. frugiperda showed no significant difference in mean dimensions between sexes. These findings provide a reliable morphometric key for precision diagnostics and accurate larval instar determination of S. frugiperda in maize ecosystems, thus supporting improved monitoring and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.


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