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Glite Dictionary
Spodoptera

Spodoptera

9.9
A group of moths whose caterpillars, called armyworms, eat farm crops
  • noun
  • /spəˈdɒptərə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Spodoptera
  • The larvae of the moth Spodoptera cause significant damage to crops, making them a concern for farmers.

Examples

  • In agriculture, Spodoptera is notorious for its rapid reproduction and destructive feeding habits.

  • Researchers study the behavior of Spodoptera to develop effective pest control methods.

  • For example, a high-protein diet enhances the immune defense of the insect Spodoptera littoralis, but decreases its larval performance (Cotter et al. 2010).

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

army worm
vsSpodoptera
  • Specialized
7.4

A caterpillar that moves in large groups and eats crops like grass and grain

is the moth genus that produces those larvae rather than the larval stage

Surface Forms

Spodoptera singular
Spodopteras plural

Etymology

Spodoptera comes from two Greek parts: spodo- meaning 'ash' and -ptera meaning 'wings'. Think 'ash-winged' or 'smoky-winged'—an image that fits these moths, whose caterpillars are called armyworms and are crop pests.