Sod webworm
Common NameSod webworm
Scientific NameCrambus praefectellus
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, cream, yellowish-orange
HabitatLawns, pastures, meadows, grassy areas
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host Plantsturfgrasses, corn, small grains
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as webworms, feed on grass roots and stems from silken tunnels in the thatch layer. They pupate in cocoons in the soil or thatch, typically having multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive mottled brown and yellowish-orange forewing pattern, the relatively small size, and the characteristic resting posture with wings wrapped tightly around the body (though shown spread in this image).
Description
This is a small, cryptically colored moth with mottled forewings featuring shades of dark brown, light brown, black, and yellowish-orange streaks. The hindwings are a plainer cream to light brown with darker margins.
