Which of the following pests is indicated to have caused severe damage in lawns and landscapes?

Sod webworms are known to cause significant damage in lawns and landscapes primarily due to their feeding habits. These pests are the larval stage of certain moths and actively feed on the grass blades at the surface level, which can lead to brown patches and an overall decline in the health of the turf. The presence of sod webworms is often characterized by irregular patches of dead or dying grass that can rapidly expand if not controlled. Their ability to strip the foliage of grass can weaken the plants, making them more susceptible to stresses such as drought or disease, thereby compounding the damage.

In contrast, while other pests like chinch bugs, cutworms, and armyworms can also damage lawns, their effects and the types of damage they cause can vary. Chinch bugs primarily affect St. Augustinegrass and can cause damage by feeding on the plant's sap, resulting in yellowing and dieback. Cutworms are often more problematic for young plants and seedlings rather than established lawns. Armyworms are known for their voracious feeding on a variety of plants but typically have a different feeding pattern that can affect turf less severely compared to sod webworms. Therefore, sod webworms are specifically noted for the severity of their impact on lawns and landscapes, making them