[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”squiggle-left” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” width=”75%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Cerambidae<\/p>\n
In Colorado, two species of sod webworm are considered pests of turfgrass. They are the cranberry girdler (Chrysoteuchia topiaria<\/em>) and vagabond crambus (Agriphila vulgivagella<\/em>). The small moths are white and tan and their wings tend to curl downward. They can be observed flying around lawns during late spring through early summer. The moths fly at dusk and lay eggs individually on turfgrass while in flight. After hatching, young caterpillars are brown or gray and 6.5\u201325.5 mm (1\/4-1 inch) long.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Quick Facts” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FEBD3B” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2022\/10\/Cranberry-girdler.jpg” alt=”cranberry girdler larva” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cranberry girdler in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.<\/em>). Sod webworms are a complex of commonly occurring insect pests of lawns in the Rocky Mountain region. There are two species of sod webworm of significance in Colorado, the cranberry girdler and vagabond crambus. Healthy lawns can usually withstand small to moderate infestations, and there are several management options for heavily infested areas. [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2022\/10\/Vagabond-crambus-moth.jpg” alt=”Vagabond crambus moth” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Vagabond crambus moth. Image credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2022\/10\/Damage-to-turf.jpg” alt=”damage to turf” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Damage to turf caused by sod webworm. Image credit: Michigan State University<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]\t\t Young webworms live in silk tunnels during the day and emerge at night to feed on leaves of grass. Most species of sod webworm overwinter as fully grown larvae within their silk tunnels and have two to three generations each year. The greatest damage to lawns is usually done by overwintered larvae.<\/p>\n After emerging in spring, the caterpillars feed for a brief period, pupate, and then emerge as adults. The second-generation larvae tend to feed in July and August, and by late summer there can be overlapping generations with all life stages present in turf.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Caterpillars damage turf by feeding on leaves of grass which causes patches of yellow or brown discoloration on the grass blades. When inspected more closely, these areas will appear scalped or grazed. Early signs of damage include small, brown patches of closely clipped grass. The patches will gradually increase in size as the caterpillars continue to feed and grow.<\/p>\n The presence of sod webworm caterpillars in turfgrass will also attract large numbers of blackbirds to the area. Birds probe the grass and soil for the caterpillars, forming unsightly holes in turf.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Look for large numbers of birds feeding on lawns. The presence of green fecal pellets is another indicator of sod webworm, as well as the presence of feeding injury on grass blades. In addition, the presence of silken tubes and webbing is a good indicator that sod webworm is present.<\/p>\n Brown patches in lawns can be caused by several lawn diseases. Therefore, when infestations are suspected, it is important to confirm the presence of sod webworm before treating. To do this, one to two fluid ounces of liquid dishwashing soap should be mixed with one gallon of water and poured evenly over one square yard of turf. Webworms will rise to the surface within 10 minutes. When 15 or more webworm larvae are present per square yard in healthy turf, or when 5 webworm larvae are present on stressed turf, then insecticidal applications should be considered.<\/p>\n Proper irrigation is usually sufficient in allowing turf to outgrow moderate webworm feeding injury.<\/p>\n Sod webworms are also susceptible to the parasitic nematode, Stenernema carpocapsae<\/em>, and toxins of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. However, products containing these natural enemies are only effective if applied against smaller, young webworms.<\/p>\n Other natural enemies include tachinid flies, braconid wasps, earwig, rove beetles, paper wasps, ants, robber flies and vertebrate predators.<\/p>\n Lawns can be treated for sod webworm with insecticides labeled for \u201clawn insect control\u201d. It is important to mow lawns before applying insecticides to remove flowering weeds and help protect foraging bees. Applying insecticides in the late afternoon or early evening when sod webworm larvae tend to be more active is also recommended. Before treating, irrigate the lawn with \u00bd to \u00be inches of water to cause webworms to move closer to the surface. Since young larvae are most susceptible, applying insecticides two to three weeks after peak moth flights is recommended so that eggs are allowed to hatch.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Colorado State University (n.d.).<\/strong> Plant Talk 1514 \u2013 Insects. Colorado State University \u2013 Extension. Available https:\/\/planttalk.colostate.edu\/topics\/lawns\/1514-insects\/#:~:text=The%20sod%20webworm%20is%20one,late%20spring%20and%20into%20summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n University of California. 2009.<\/strong> Sod Webworms. University of California \u2013 IPM. Available https:\/\/www2.ipm.ucanr.edu\/agriculture\/turfgrass\/sod-webworms\/<\/a><\/p>\n University of Nebraska-Lincoln (n.d.).<\/strong> Turfgrass \u2013 Sod Webworms. University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Department of Entomology. Available https:\/\/entomology.unl.edu\/turfent\/documnts\/swebwrms.shtml#:~:text=Sod%20webworm%20moths%20do%20not,layer%20and%20into%20the%20soil.<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Image credit: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_3_font_size=”26px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nLife history and habits<\/h2>\n
Injury<\/h2>\n
Monitoring<\/h2>\n
Cultural and biological control<\/h3>\n
Chemical control<\/h3>\n
References<\/h2>\n