Which stage of the sod webworm is considered the damaging stage?

The larvae stage of the sod webworm is considered the damaging stage because it is during this phase that the larvae actively feed on the grass blades. When the larvae hatch from the eggs, they begin to consume the leaf tissue of the turfgrass, leading to the characteristic damage associated with sod webworms, such as brown patches or thinning areas in the lawn. This feeding can weaken the grass, making it vulnerable to disease and additional stress factors.

While the adults may contribute to the overall life cycle and the eggs are the initial stage of development, it is the larvae that cause the immediate and visible damage to lawns. Nymphs are not a stage in the life cycle of sod webworms; instead, they are commonly associated with other insect species. Therefore, the focus on the larvae as the primary damaging stage is crucial for effective pest management in turfgrass systems.