| Black turfgrass ataenius larvae are very
small, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long, with 3 pairs of legs. A pattern of
scattered bristles on the last abdominal segment with a pair of pads
on the tip of the abdomen distinguish this pest from other insect
pests in turf. |
White grubs are white with dark brown head
capsules. They are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, much larger than ataenius
or billbug larvae. A characteristic pattern of bristles on the underside
of the posterior end of the abdomen distinguish it from other species.
|
| Billbug larvae are very small, 3/8 inch
(0.9 cm) long, with creamy white bodies and dark heads. The absence
of legs distinguishes billbug larvae from other turf pests. |
Cutworms and armyworms are large, up to
2 inches (5 cm) long, and curl up when disturbed. Their size and behavior
help to distinguish them from other turfgrass pests. |
Fiery skipper larvae are up to 1 inch (2.5
cm) long with distinct reddish markings on the front of an oversized
black head. Larvae have a narrowed neck followed by a characteristic
dark thoracic shield. |
Sod webworms are 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) long.
A double row of brown or black spots down the back at the base of
long bristles helps to distinguish sod webworms from other pests. |
