Helicoverpa zea is a butterfly species in the family Noctuidae. The species is widely distributed across warmer regions of America. Polyphagous larvae cause serious economic losses in cotton, sorghum, maize and tomato crops.

Butterflies are highly mobile, ranging over wide areas and can settle for a while colder regions (north Canada, south Argentina). Considering  climatic conditions in PRA area, it is unlikely that pest will be able to have a permanent populations. PRA area will be endangered in case of occurence of numerous H. zea populations in south Europe (similar situation is with related species Helicoverpa  armigera)

There is a risk of crop losses in protected conditions in case of pest occurrence in PRA area.