Other Common Names
larvae commonly called webworms, sod webworms, or grass webworms
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Herpetogramma Lederer, 1863; Wien. ent. Monats. 7 (12):
430 Range
represented throughout North America, Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America
Food
Some of the larvae feed on grasses, but Herpetogramma spp are not restricted to grasses - at least 3 of the species in North America are fern feeders, and I believe there is an aster-feeder, as well. Eric LoPresti, 7/28/2012
One was raised on wild ginger,
another on wood nettle (Laportea canadensis).
Print References
Solis, M. A. 2010: North American Herpetogramma Lederer, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae): type specimens and identity of species in the United States and Canada. – Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 112 (3): 451–463.
(2)Internet References
live larva image of the tropical sod webworm,
H. phaeopteralis (turfgrass.com)