Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #185226
Title: NIBBLING AND NOTCHING CATERPILLARS IN FLORIDA TURFGRASS

Author
item BUSS, EILEEN - ENT DEPT, UNIV OF FL
item Meagher, Robert - Rob

Submitted to: Florida Pest Pro
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/6/2005
Publication Date: 7/1/2005
Citation: Buss, E.A., Meagher Jr, R.L. 2005. Nibbling and notching caterpillars in Florida turfgrass. Florida Pest Pro. p. 14-17.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Several caterpillar species are turfgrass pests in Florida lawns, including tropical sod webworm (TSW), the fall armyworm (FAW), and the striped grass looper (SGL). They attack the most common turfgrass varieties such as St. Augustine and bermudagrasses. Each species can be identified by their larval and adult stages. Larvae can be found in lawns by searching for chewed leaves and doing soap flushes. Adults (moths) are active from dusk until just after dawn. All three species are active year-round in southern Florida, but FAW and SGL are not a problem until fall in northern Florida. Application of water-soluble, inorganic nitrogen fertilizers cause rapid leaf growth, and increase the chance of lawn caterpillar problems. Female moths that are ready to lay eggs are attracted to the lush succulent leaf growth. Responsible use of slow-release fertilizers may reduce turfgrass susceptibility. Spot treatments may be applied when infestations are first detected and the damaged area is small. Insecticides should be used about two weeks after peak moth activity, in the early evening when larvae begin feeding.