Lawn Moths

Lawn moths are small moths, typically measuring between 1/2 and 1 inch long. They are dull-colored, ranging from tan to gray. As seen in the picture above, they have a distinctive snout-like protrusion on the front of their heads, which splits into two mouth parts. When their wings are folded in, they become tube shaped, rather than laying their wings flat as most moths do. When disturbed, they only flutter a short distance, usually in a zig-zag pattern.

 

Their larvae, which are called Sod Webworms, are small caterpillars with bodies that vary in color from green to pink to brown. They have dark heads and dark spots on their short-haired bodies. They are about the same size as the adult moths, generally ranging from 3/4 to 1 inch in length.

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Lawn moths lay their eggs as they flutter around your yard, leaving caterpillars to hatch and cause infestations in your lawn. The larvae will come out at night to eat on the grass blades, leaving destroyed grass in their wake. The blades can be ragged at best, and at worst, completely cut off at the ground. An infestation of sod webworms can leave your lawn with brown spots, patches of dying grass, or even bare spots where grass has been completely eaten away.

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To learn more about lawn moths and sod webworks, and how to keep them out of your yard, check out our blog post