Temporal Gene Expression Patterns in Spodoptera Frugiperda Reveal Stage-Specific Regulatory Pathways and Adaptive Mechanisms

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly adaptable agricultural pest with a complex life cycle, posing significant challenges to pest control. This study conducted a transcriptomic analysis across nine developmental stages, identifying 6,834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 3,072 stage-specific genes (SSGs) critical for their development and adaptability. Significant gene expression shifts were observed during the transition from late larval stages to adulthood. Notably, a high number of SSGs in 6th instar larvae and adult males were enriched in pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation and neural signaling, indicating high metabolic and reproductive demands. Widely shared DEGs associated with ecdysone signaling and detoxification processes underscore robust adaptation mechanisms.