Abstract The occurrence of the black caterpillar Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been increasing in soybean crops in Brazil leading to yield losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate antibiosis in soybean genotypes to S. cosmioides. The following parameters were evaluated: duration, viability and larval weight; duration and viability of the pre-pupal; duration, weight and viability of pupa; total cycle and sex ratio. The design was completely randomized with 18 treatments (genotypes) and 30 replicates. The genotypes PI 227687, PI227682, IAC 100 and BRS 7270 IPRO showed significant levels of antibiosis against S. cosmioides. These results will be useful for soybean producer or in breeding programs focusing on host plant resistance.