Sod Webworm Life Cycle at Life

Sod Webworm Life Cycle. Hence the name “sod webworm.” in turfgrass areas that are mowed below 1 inch, such as golf course fairways or putting greens, webbing from the larvae is visible to the naked eye and can be useful for identifying this pest. The complete cycle from larvae to adult takes six to ten weeks and the insects may produce several generations per season.

Understanding the life cycle of the sod webworm is critical for controlling it. The webworms overwinter as young larvae a few centimeters below the soil line. Sod webworms start life as an egg laid by an adult moth.

Velsicol Chemical Life Cycle of the Sod Webworm poster 1963

Peak hatching occurs in early summer and continues throughout the summer months. They build protective silken webs, usually on steep slopes and in sunny areas, where they feed and develop. Females lay creamy white eggs in clusters of up to 15 eggs on grass blades, stems and turf debris. Females can lay 60 eggs per night and eggs hatch in just a week.