The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is not a worm but a highly invasive moth that threatens plants in its larvae stage. The larvae may do the damage, but the adult moths ensure the rapid spread of the pest. If pushed by winds, moths can fly up to 100km a day.
It arrived in New Zealand around February 2022, likely from Australia, and can survive on a range of plant species across 76 plant families. Early detection and strong surveillance are the best defences in the nursery against the fall armyworm.
Information on how to identify the fall armyworm is available on the Ministry for Primary industries website.