What's eating my dryopteris ludoviciana?

Southern wood fern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a native US garden fern most commonly bothered by slugs and snails on tender new fronds, vine weevil grubs in the root ball, and occasional aphid colonies on unfurling croziers. Slugs are the primary threat, especially in humid southeastern garden conditions where this fern thrives.

Irregular holes and missing sections on young and mature fronds Apply iron-phosphate bait around crowns; remove leaf debris; use beer traps or copper barriers around beds

Sudden wilt and easy pull-out of plant as roots are eaten Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in spring or early autumn

Sticky honeydew and distorted, curling new growth Knock off with water spray; treat with insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds and lacewings