<![CDATA[Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a major invasive pest of maize that causes serious damage and yield losses in various regions of Indonesia, including East Lombok Regency. The utilization of parasitoids as natural enemies is one of the biological control strategies that plays an important role in supporting integrated pest management (IPM). This study aimed to identify larval parasitoid species associated with S. frugiperda and to analyze parasitoid diversity, relative abundance, and parasitism rate in maize fields in Pringgabaya District, East Lombok Regency. The research was conducted from August to December 2025 using a survey method with purposive sampling. Observations were carried out at three maize-growing locations, with five diagonal plots measuring 5 × 5 m established at each location. Collected S. frugiperda larvae were reared in the laboratory until parasitoids emerged and were subsequently identified based on morphological characteristics. The results showed the presence of three types of larval parasitoids associated with S. frugiperda, namely Tachinidae sp., Megaselia scalaris, and one parasitoid that could not be identified. The total parasitism rate was 19.30%, with the highest rate recorded in Apitaik Village (11.42%), followed by Teko Village (5.76%) and North Pringgabaya Village (2.12%). The relatively low parasitoid diversity indicates that the effectiveness of natural biological control against S. frugiperda in the study area remains limited. Therefore, conservation of natural enemies through environmentally friendly cultivation practices is needed to enhance the role of parasitoids in suppressing pest populations in maize agroecosystems.]]>
