The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most devastating agricultural insect pests in the world. It feeds on a broad range of important food and feed crops including maize (corn), sorghum, rice, millet, sugarcane, cotton, potatoes, etc. It affects the economy and agricultural trade of entire regions and is a threat to food security for millions.

This pest is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Western hemisphere, where its defoliating damage to maize can lead to more than 70% yield reduction. Under heavy infestations, larvae may disperse to new emerging adjacent fields with reports of 100% plant cutting damage to newly planted maize. Biosecurity Queensland says fall armyworm was detected on a property in the Gulf country of north-western Queensland, and in South Johnstone, Tolga, Lakeland and the Burdekin region in North Queensland. The most recent detection is in Bowen. It is anticipated that it will migrate south towards New South Wales.