Eiphosoma laphygmae, a classical solution for the biocontrol of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda?

Abstract The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda , an American Lepidoptera, is invasive in Africa and Asia currently one of the most damaging cereal pests tropics. ichneumonid parasitoid, Eiphosoma laphygmae a potential classical biological control agent. We assessed existing knowledge on biology, identified natural distributions, collated reported parasitism rates from field studies determined which other parasitoids co-occurred. discussed suitability E. for as well limitations gaps. conducted systematic literature review had 185 hits, retaining 52 papers. Reports distribution were restricted to tropics, ranging North-East Mexico Sao Paulo State, Brazil. There only two single unconfirmed records it hosts, suggesting that parasitoid may be specific S. frugiperda, but this needs confirmation. In fields where occurred naturally, was second important contributor armyworm mortality, after braconid Chelonus insularis . On average, parasitized 4.5% studies. highest Costa Rica (13%) Minas Gerais, Brazil (14.5%). However, these are probably largely underestimated because likely biases sampling rate calculations. appeared establish better more diverse, weedy systems. As African farming systems often have high diversity, favour establishment if eventually introduced