This spring in Naples FL we have had a fairly widespread outbreak of a St. Augustinegrass turf-attacking caterpillar, the TSW: tropical sod webworm. This may have been because of the cold weather killing a parasite or predator that normally keeps this turf-eating caterpillar in check. Or it just may be part of the natural life cycle peaks and valleys of most insect populations.

Moth problem? It may be tropical sod webworm

This spring in Naples FL we have had a fairly widespread outbreak of a St. Augustinegrass turf-attacking caterpillar, the TSW: tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis).


This may have been because of the cold weather killing a parasite or predator (“attack” insect) that normally keeps this turf-eating caterpillar in check. Or it just may be part of the natural life cycle peaks and valleys of most insect populations.


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