Herpetogramma phaeopteralis
Guenée, 1854
dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical sod webworm, dark sod webworm
Herpetogramma phaeopteralis is a small crambid with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm, originally described by Guenée in 1854. It is known by multiple including dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical , and dark sod webworm. The has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. feed on grass leaves, and the species is occasionally referenced in turfgrass pest management and research.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Herpetogramma phaeopteralis: /hɛrˌpɛtoʊˈɡræmə feɪɒptəˈrælɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
have a wingspan of about 18 mm. The can be tentatively identified to by its typical crambid , though specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from are not well documented in available sources. The 'dusky herpetogramma' suggests relatively subdued coloration compared to some related species.
Images
Habitat
Sod and turfgrass environments; associated with grassy areas where larval plants occur.
Distribution
United States (South Carolina to Florida, west to Texas), Central America, South America, Andaman Islands, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Saint Helena, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Gambia, Yemen, and Zambia.
Diet
feed on leaves of grasses.
Behavior
have been observed visiting flowers at dusk, hovering in front of blossoms rather than landing.
Ecological Role
in grassy ; serves as for in research. The functions as a minor turfgrass pest in some regions.
Human Relevance
Occasional pest of turfgrass and sod; subject of research involving . Not a major agricultural pest compared to some related crambid .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Noctuidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
- Variability in foraging behaviour, thermal requirement and virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against sod webworm, Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guene� (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)