Where do sod webworm larvae commonly live and feed?

Where do sod webworm larvae commonly live and feed?

• A. Near the soil surface in silken shelters covered with turfgrass webs woven from thatch
• B. Deep below the soil in roots
• C. Inside grass stems
• D. In open air above turfgrass

Answer: (A)

Sod webworm larvae stay near the soil surface, hiding in silken shelters woven from thatch and turf debris. They spin small tunnels and webs at the base of the grass, and feed on the grass blades from inside these shelters, usually at night. This close-to-surface, sheltered feeding makes the damage appear as brown patches with fine webbing at the soil line. They don’t live deep underground in roots, nor inside grass stems, nor out in the open air above the turf.

Sod webworm larvae stay near the soil surface, hiding in silken shelters woven from thatch and turf debris. They spin small tunnels and webs at the base of the grass, and feed on the grass blades from inside these shelters, usually at night. This close-to-surface, sheltered feeding makes the damage appear as brown patches with fine webbing at the soil line. They don’t live deep underground in roots, nor inside grass stems, nor out in the open air above the turf.