Scilight Press

Spodoptera frugiperda is a maize plant pest that has caused significant losses in various parts of Indonesia, especially the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). Since Klaten Regency is adjacent to DIY, the potential of Klaten to contribute to the country’s demand for corn products needs to be extensively monitored, particularly by controlling the existence of S. frugiperda and it’s predatory insects. This study was conducted to identify and analyse the abundance of diurnal predatory insects of S. frugiperda in Klaten Regency. The research was conducted in October 2023–May 2024 on maize fields in Klaten District. Sampling locations were determined using the survey method, while the villages used were determined based on the stratified method. Maize fields used for diurnal predator insect collection were investigated using a purposive method. The data obtained were analysed using correlation tests to reveal the relationship between the abundance of predatory insect species with abiotic factors. The analysis identified 14 species of diurnal predators, with the most species being C. sexmaculatus (86 individuals), while the least was Rhynocoris sp. (4 individuals). Coccinellidae was the insect predator family with the highest species of S. frugiperda. Coccinellids were the most weather-tolerant predatory insects against a wide range of environmental parameters. Furthermore, Coccinellids were found in all research sites. Biological control using natural enemies is a preferred approach for managing S. frugiperda populations, as it offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution.