Origin:
These are native insects in North America with most species found in the southern and western states, but occurring as far north as Pennsylvania and the Upper Midwest. Many more species occur throughout Latin America.
Biology:
This small family of about 6 dozen species has a few members that may be damaging to turf, the larvae feeding on the roots of the turf as well as on decaying plant materials. They will feed on most kinds of turf grass as well as on the roots of corn and a few other plants. The larva creates a vertical burrow in the soil and lives within this, emerging to sever blades of grass or surface roots and dragging these back into its burrow to eat. The burrow may be ΒΌ inch wide and up to 2 inches deep, with threads of silk lining the burrow and often extending up into the turf.
Identification:
The adult moths have a wingspan of 1 inch or so and are brown to dark brown with black spots on the wings. Males in particular may have very long palpi (mouthparts) that they hold curved back over the top of their head and thorax. While at rest the adult moths hold their wings in a characteristic manner, folded tightly against the abdomen in a roof-like position.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Very little is really known about these moths and their life history. Control should focus on the larvae and on products capable of contacting the larva either within its soil tube or as it emerges to remove foliage for consumption. Contact insecticide granules applied and watered in will be helpful as will contact insecticides sprayed onto the turf and left in place at night.
