| To understand the population dynamics of important noctuid pests in southern Henan Province, from 2021 to 2023, a searchlight trap was utilized in Nanyang City, Henan Province, to monitor and trap noctuid pests. The results showed that noctuid pests were first trapped in early March, with two peak infestation periods in July and August. In 2022, a total of 37 530 noctuid pests were trapped, which was 2.04 times that of 2021 and 1.72 times that of 2023. The temporal dynamics of species richness of noctuid pests roughly followed an inverted "V" shape, with June and July being the months with the richest species diversity. Helicoverpa armigera, Mythimna Loreyi, Agrotis ypsilon, and Spodoptera exigua were identified as the dominant species within the noctuid family. Helicoverpa armigera was first observed on March 17, 2022, with distinct peak infestation periods occurring in July and August each year. Monthly maximum trap of Cotton bollworm was 12,382. The peak infestation of Mythimna Loreyi occurred in early June 2021, with two peaks in early August and mid-to-late September 2022, and another peak in early August 2023. Agrotis ypsilon were first trapped on March 9, 2022, with the first peak infestation occurring from mid-March to early April. However, the overall trap count was relatively low, with a daily maximum of 23 individuals. The two peak infestation of Spodoptera exigua population occured in July and August each year. There were significant interannual variations in the annual trap counts of the beet armyworm. In 2022, a total of 13 306 individuals were trapped, which was 35 times and 42 times that of 2021 and 2023, respectively. This study provides a basis for forecasting and prevention and control of major noctuid pests. |
