Fall Armyworm Symposium: Infestation Dynamics and Distribution of Noctuidonema Guyanense (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) on Adults of Spodoptera Frugiperda and Mocis Latipes (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

The infestation dynamics and distribution of an ectoparasitic nematode, Noctuidonema guyanense Remillet and Silvain, on moths of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) and Mocis latipes (Guen)e) were studied. Nematodes transfer among hosts as moths mate. Subsequent dispersal and reproduction by N. guyanense on new hosts results in an aggregation of nematodes on the posterior abdominal segments of S. frugiperda moths. On M. latipes, nematodes aggregate on the posterior margin of the thorax and on the first and second abdominal segments. Nematodes are rarely found on the head of moths of either species. A significant, positive correlation exists between dispersal of nematodes on S. frugiperda and elapsed time after the initiation of host mating.