Cannibalism and intraguild predation involved in the intra- and inter-specific interactions of the invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, and lepidopteran maize stemborers

Abstract Cannibalism and intraguild predation can play important roles in determining spread survival or death of organisms which share the same resource. However, relationship between cannibalism predation, costs benefits such behaviours, is difficult to establish within insect communities, little known about how behaviours are affected by invasive species. The present study was aimed at assessing interactions larvae fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ) maize stemborers (native Africa, Busseola fusca , Sesamia calamistis native India, Chilo partellus relation when they utilize Experiments involving treatments with either single species S. any pairwise combinations were conducted under laboratory conditions. experimental reared on leaves monitored until last developmental stage where and/or larval survival, relative growth rate recorded. Results intraspecific interaction indicated that exhibited a larger degree than species, especially late instars. higher trait turned, however, competitive advantage as it led cohabit stemborer allowed FAW gain greater rate. Overall, detrimental for may be an factor explain success . Such knowledge essential understand mechanisms behind ecological pests overlapping niches field designing successful integrated pest management strategies.