Steneotarsonemus spinki the temperate climate of the United States, the area of southwest Louisiana has a sub-tropical climate with both high temperature and high humidity. Panicle rice mites thrive under both of these conditions and may cause substantial economic losses when found in association with "Burkholderia glumae" (bacterial panicle blight) and "Sarocladium oryzae" (sheath rot) pathogens. These pathogens are both present in southwest Louisiana. Panicle rice mites are pests of commercial rice ("Oryza sativa"), and completes its development on the invasive plant "Oryza latifolia". Feeding takes place behind the leaf sheath. The feeding lesion can be detected by cinnamon to chocolate-brown discoloration
Mythimna separata light dorsal stripe, with black-brown lateral stripe along spiracle line. spiracles brown with black rim. Pupae are yellowish brown and shiny. The moth flies from January to April depending on the location. The larvae feed on a range of agricultural plants like "Zea mays", "Sorghum bicolor" and "Oryza sativa" and are thus considered a pest. Caterpillars do not feed on "Momordica charantia" due to the presence of the triterpenoid glucoside called momordicine II, which is a natural inhibitor of caterpillar actions. China experiences periodic outbreaks of northern armyworm infestation. The outbreak in 2012 was particularly severe. Larva can be hand