Webworm

Lepidoptera

Adults: The moths are dingy brown, and their wing spread is about 20 mm (~3/4 inch). At rest, wings are held in a triangular shape. Adult males usually have six abdominal segments whereas females have five. The terminal segment in males has a slim extension, while the anal segment of the female has a large fusiform opening.

Eggs: Adult females deposit clusters of 10 to 35 creamy-white eggs on the upper surface of grass blades. The eggs become brownish-red as they mature. The eggs are flattened, overlapping and slightly oval in shape. Eggs average 0.7 mm (length), 0.5 mm (width) and 0.1 mm (height).

Larvae: Caterpillars are cream-colored with brown spots on each segment and a dark, yellowish brown head. There are six instars and larval head capsules at their widest points measure 0.225, 0.344, 0.489, 0.676, 0.944 and 1.267 mm, respectively. Average body length of each instar is 1.2, 2.7, 4.1, 6.0, 8.4 and 11.3 mm, respectively.

Pupae: The reddish brown pupae are about 8.5 to 9.5 mm long and 2.1 to 2.9 mm wide. The pupae are normally buried in the upper thatch.

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