Fall Armyworm Leaf Consumption and Development on Florunner Peanuts12

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Abstract
Leaf consumption by Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) was measured on Florunner peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L. Mean consumption per larva of 94.56 cm2 was measured by use of a leaf area meter. Percentages of the total consumed were 0.1, 1.1, 4.6, 12.3, 19.9, and 62.0 for 1st through 6th instars, respectively. No significant differences were recorded in leaf consumption or developmental times of males and females, although pupal weights of males tended to be greater. Leaf consumption was significantly greater on 40-day-old plants than on 60-day-old plants. Consumption declined significantly as age of leaves increased, and larval mortality rates were higher on older leaves. Larvae preferred to feed on younger leaves.