Which group of insects is more problematic for cool-season turf according to their feeding habits?

The Japanese beetle is considered particularly problematic for cool-season turf due to its feeding habits, which can cause significant damage to grass. These beetles feed on the leaves of various plants, including turf grasses, and their larvae, known as grubs, can also pose a threat. When they feed on the grass leaves, they create notching and can lead to stress and even death of the turf, especially during periods of drought or heat.

Cool-season grasses are typically more susceptible to such damage during the warmer parts of their growing season, when stress factors are more prevalent. The combination of adult feeding and grub activity in the soil can severely compromise the health and appearance of the turf, making Japanese beetles a key concern for turf management.

While the other insects listed may also affect turf in some capacity, they are either not as directly damaging to cool-season grasses or tend to be associated with different types of vegetation or feeding behaviors that do not align with the specific vulnerabilities of cool-season turf.