Abstract:[Background] The insect-pathogenic Metarhizium rileyi shows promising potential for controlling the virulent exotic Spodoptera frugiperda which infests crops, particularly maize. Thus, this fungal species should be further developed. [Objective] To optimize the solid-state fermentation conditions of M. rileyi SZCY, determine the virulence of the yielded conidia to S. frugiperda, and thus lay a basis for the large-scale production of the conidia. [Methods] The single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design were used to optimize the solid-state fermentation medium factors and fermentation parameters. The virulence of the conidia yielded under different conditions to the 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda was evaluated. [Results] Husked rice was the best fermentation medium for SZCY, as the conidium yield was the highest. The culture temperature, photoperiod, and content of yeast extract powder were the main factors affecting the sporulation of SZCY in solid-state fermentation. The optimal fermentation parameters for solid-state fermentation are as follows: culture temperature of 22.83 ℃, photoperiod 18.68 h L:5.32 h D, and yeast extract powder of 4.98 g/100 g. Under these conditions, the conidium production of SZCY on husked rice was 5.65×1010 conidia/g and the LT50of the suspension (107 conidia/mL) for the 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda was 3.88 days. [Conclusion] The optimal medium for solid-state fermentation of SZCY was husked rice. With this medium and the optimal fermentation parameters, the conidium yield was higher and the yielded conidia show strong virulence to S. frugiperda. Therefore, SZCY should be further developed for biocontrol.