In the context of sod webworms, which life stage is referred to as the 'adult'?

The term 'adult' specifically refers to the fully developed stage of an organism's life cycle, in this case, sod webworms. This stage is when the sod webworm emerges from the pupal stage and is capable of reproduction. The adult sod webworm is characterized by its wings and has the ability to fly, which allows it to disperse and find mates and new feeding grounds. Understanding the adult stage is crucial for pest control because it is during this phase that the insects will lay eggs, leading to potential new infestations.

In contrast, the other life stages are important for the overall life cycle, but they do not represent the adult phase. The larvae feed and develop in the turf, while the eggs and pupae are transitional stages leading to the adult. Managing the adult population can be a significant aspect of controlling sod webworm outbreaks in turf management.