Sod Web Worms

This is the most common caterpillar attacking turfgrass. They attack all grasses, but Bermuda is preferred and Bahia is least desirable. The larvae are greenish with numerous black spots and are 3/4″ long when mature. Sod webworms are usually not a problem until June in south Florida, July in central Florida and August in north Florida. Injured grass has notches chewed along the sides of the blades or is eaten back unevenly. They feed only at night and rest in a curled position on the soil surface during the day. The life cycle requires five to six weeks and there are several generations per year.