The invasive fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was reported for the first time on maize causing severe damage in Karnataka, India during May 2018. Thereafter, the pest has spread to most states of India and now reported from many south Asian countries. The biology under laboratory condition showed that the fecundity was 1064 eggs. Incubation, total larval and pupal period were observed from 2-3, 14-19 and 9- 12 days, respectively. The larval population varied during different growth stages of the crop on maize in Shivamogga and Davanagere districts during Kharif and Rabi seasons. Heavy population buildup of S. frugiperda in Karnataka on sorghum was recorded in Kalaburgi, Raichur, Koppal and Shivamogga districts in November and December months. The damage on maize during July 2018 to February 2019 varied between 20.0 to 80.0 per cent. The management practices like installation of pheromone traps, removal of eggs and use of two rounds of insecticides (Chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram and emamectin benzoate) were found to be effective in reducing the larval population and recorded higher yield. Efficacy of various aspects on S. frugiperda is discussed in this paper
