Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the most important pests of corn in the Americas, which can damage all plant growth stages, resulting in yield losses ranging from 15 to 37%. In this research, the spatial distribution of this pest was evaluated in the field, to develop a sampling system to estimate population density. Three experimental areas of 40 m x 250 m each, subdivided in 100 plots were chosen, and the number of small and large caterpillars of S. frugiperda was counted at 14 sampling dates. Ten random corn plants per plot were used, totalizing 1,000 plants per field for each sampling. Insects were observed in the inner and outer parts of the leafworl, which were opened prior to counting. Caterpillars were classified as small and large, depending on their length, when the length was less than or and more than 0.1 m, respectively. Taylor's law parameters were estimated, resulting highly significant regressions for all insect stages. The b parameter in Taylor's law for small caterpillars was greater than 1 (1.57), which indicated that the distribution at this stage is aggregated. The b parameter was lower than 1 for large caterpillars (0.79), indicating a random distribution. Results for all caterpillars were similar to that observed for small ones. A sequential counting plan was developed based on the a and b parameters of Taylor's law.
Zea mays; Taylor's law; spatial distribution; armyworm