What type of insect is primarily responsible for the damage associated with Sod Webworms?

The primary damage associated with Sod Webworms is caused by the larvae, which are the juvenile stage of these insects. When the larvae feed on the grass, they create irregular patches of dead or dying turf, which can significantly harm the aesthetics and health of the lawn. The larvae are often not seen unless the turf is heavily damaged, as they tend to live just below the surface, but their feeding habits can lead to noticeable signs of stress on the grass.

Understanding the life cycle of Sod Webworms highlights why the larvae are responsible for the damage. The adults are primarily for reproduction and do not feed on the grass, while the pupae are a transitional stage that doesn't contribute to damage, and the eggs are merely the starting point of the life cycle. Thus, it is the feeding behavior of the larvae that directly leads to the observable impact on turf, which is critical for effective management and control of this pest in cool-season turfgrass areas.