SOME BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF THE BEET ARMYWORM , Spodoptera exigua ( Huebner ) ( LEPIDOPTERA : NOCTUIDAE )

Abstract

The life cycle of the beet armyworm , Spodoptera exigua ( Huebner ) includes eggs ,larvae , pupae , and adults . An individual moth deposited eggs in masses , the average number were 10 masses and the number of the eggs for each mass were 30 – 140 eggs. The beet armyworm have five instars larvae in prevailing , but showed in this study six instars larvae , this sixth instars was recording first time in Iraq . The last instars larvae were possess a dark lateral stripe, a series of dark spots or dashes were often present dorsally and dorsolaterally .The average head capsule width was 1.85 mm for the last instars larvae .The pupa was light brown in color and measures length about 12 mm. The adults were moderately sized ,the wing span measuring 25-30 mm .The forewings were mottled gray and brown ,and normally with an irregular pattern and two a golden color spots. The hind wings were a more uniform gray or white color and trimmed with a dark line at the margin .