Aspect of the biology of sod webworms (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Crambinae) and turfgrass inhabiting insects of Virginia

Abstract

Turfgrass is subject to attack by a variety of insect pests. However, there has been no research on the sod webworm pests associated with turfgrass in Virginia and little research on habitat preferences of other insect pests of turf. The purpose of this research was to contribute to the basic knowledge of the biology of sod webworm species in Virginia.

There are at least 16 sod webworm species found to occur in Virginia; all can be identified to species level by forewing color patterns. The species complex is distributed nearly evenly throughout Virginia with some species adapted to higher elevations (700m).

The species complex is present from spring to late fall. The number of generations and peak flight periods differ depending on the species. Most species were sampled in low numbers except Parapediasia teterrella (Zincken). Accumulated degree-days can predict an additional years worth of occurrence of Microcrambus elegans (Clemens), Crambus lagueatellus Clemens, Pediasia trisecta (Walker) , and Agriphila ruricolella (Zeller), in the Appalachian region of Virginia.

Behavior patterns of P. teterrella. M. elegans, and A. ruricolella adults indicate the utilization of shrubs instead of turfgrass as resting sites during the day. In addition, 10 species of 7 families of insects were found to inhabit tall fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass in Virginia.