Maize-Dwelling insects omnivory in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) egg masses

Abstract

This work reports the first record of omnivory behavior of Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), Leptoglossus zonatus (Hemiptera, Coreidae), Monocrepidius aff. posticus and Monocrepidius fuscofasciatus (Coleoptera, Elateridae) on fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) egg masses in maize fields. Macrophotography was used to record the activity of these insects on fall armyworm sentinel egg masses during 2009 and 2010 maize growing seasons. The presence of omnivorous insects changes the species population dynamics within the ecosystem. Therefore, the implications of these interactions should be understood and taken into consideration for integrated pest management enhancement.