Phase Variation and ‘Off-Season’ Survival of the African Armyworm, Spodoptera Exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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Abstract
The existence of phase variation in S. exempta was discussed previously (Rose, 1979). Present studies carried out on a compartive basis demonstrated differences in many attributes of solitary- and gregarious-phase caterpillars. The solitary-phase caterpillars take longer to develop, possess more protein fractions and higher levels of juvenile hormone in the hemolymph of 6th instars, and their pupae consume more O2 compared to the gregarious ones. The solitary form of larvae is the normal type for the species, while the gregarious from is able to make maximum use of resources during some parts of the year.