In approximately one week, adult moths emerge from their pupal cases to mate and lay eggs. Flights are most common shortly after dark. The female moth flies low over the lawn area and scatters her eggs. Adult moths have a short life span, usually less than two weeks. Females can lay up to 60 eggs per evening.
Sod webworms have one to two generations per year in Colorado.
When a second generation occurs, peak larval feeding and damage is in July. One common species of sod webworm, known as the cranberry girdler, feeds on grass roots rather than blades. Cranberry girdler caterpillars feed primarily in September and October, and cause later injury than is typical of other sod webworms. Cranberry girdler caterpillars have an orange head with indistinct body markings. Sod webworm adult moth.