Dassou A. G. auteur aut IRD Idohou R. auteur aut IRD Azandeme-Hounmalon G. Y. auteur aut IRD Sabi-Sabi A. auteur aut IRD Houndete J. auteur aut IRD Silvie Pierre auteur aut IRD Dansi A. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access Invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a species native to the Americas which has spread to Africa in 2016. This insect has been reported in Benin as a major pest of maize causing important economic losses and putting at risk food and nutritional security. This study evaluated the damage caused by this pest to maize in different cropping system and management practices. It also assessed predatory ants presence and diversity and their potential in controlling FAW. Results showed that 50% of farmers grow maize in a mixed cropping systems in association with sorghum, cassava and cowpea and also used biopesticides. FAW larval population and damage in maize fields varied accros villages. Surprinsingly FAW larval population was higher in maize field sprayed with insecticides than untreated field. Seven species of predatory ants were recorded in maize field. Ants' population was higher in untreated field (1043 ants per hectare) than treated field (806 ants per hectare). In the laboratory, ants species exhibits great predatory potential. Further studies are needed to discuss uses of ants in FAW management in Benin. specialized Invasive species Africa Predation Infestation Pest Ants BENIN 076 080 41 4 2627-2636 2021 1742-7584 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010080966 10.1007/s42690-021-00443-5 1742-7584 [F B010080966] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010080966 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2021/03/010080966.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2021-04-01 2025-02-24 fdi:010080966 fre