(IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Caption The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most important maize pests in North and South America. The name "armyworm" refers to the sudden, massive occurrence of the pest insects that attack crop fields like an entire army once their previous food supply is exhausted. Credit Anna Schroll Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.