Genetic characterization and host associations of central Ohio turf infesting Crambinae larvae

Sod webworms (Crambinae: Crambidae: Lepidoptera) are well-known pests of corn and turfgrass. However the larval host associations of these moths in central Ohio are poorly known. The identification of immature sod webworms to species using morphological characters is incredibly time consuming and only possible for a very few select species. Management recommendations are typically made with the assumption that nearby adult presence at lights indicates larval turf presence. To better understand the host associations, species diversity, and identities we conducted regular soap-water flushes of turfgrass types known to support sod webworms: creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and turf type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Nightly blacklight collections monitored nearby adult diversity. PCR analysis was conducted on both the adults and the larvae. Fissicrambus mutabilis was collected in both the Kentucky bluegrass and the fescue. A single Crambus praefectellus was recovered in the creeping bentgrass. Parapediasia teterrella was the most predominant Lepidoptera larvae in the bentgrass, and overall. The light trap collections found 12 species of Crambinae were common during the season. Bi-voltine and uni-voltine species were present throughout each season at varying levels of abundance. The assumption that adult presence correlates to larval presence does not appear to be correct.