Black turfgrass ataenius is described as which, and larvae feed during which months to cause wilting or brown patches?

• A. Large beetles; larvae feed in February
• B. Red beetles; larvae feed in May
• C. Small black beetles; larvae feed in July and August, causing wilting or brown patches of turfgrass
• D. Green beetles; larvae feed in September

Answer: (C)

Black turfgrass ataenius are small black beetles, and the damage they cause comes from their larvae feeding on turfgrass roots during midsummer. The larval stage—C-shaped grub-like feeders in the soil—primarily occurs in July and August, weakening the root system and resulting in wilting or brown patches in the turf. Adults are not the main culprits for the observed damage; it’s the mid-summer root-feeding larvae that cause the symptoms you see. The other options describe beetles that aren’t the same color or size, or list feeding months that don’t match the typical BTA life cycle, so they don’t fit the pest’s biology and seasonal pattern.