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Craneflys / Daddy long legs (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter claire78
- Start date
claire78
Well-known member
Answered my own question by looking at the cranefly page on the RSPB website! :news:
Cranefly
Tipula paludosa
This slender, long-legged fly is grey-brown with dark brown leading edges to its wings. It looks like a giant mosquito, but is harmless. It is also known as a daddy longlegs.
The shape of the abdomen distinguishes the sexes: the male’s is square-ended, whereas the female’s is pointed with an ovipositor (egg laying structure). There are about 300 species in the British Isles – this is the commonest.
Craneflies are usually nocturnal and are often attracted to lights. Unfortunately their legs are only weakly attached to their bodies and often break off. The dull brown larvae, known as leatherjackets, are pests. They feed on plant roots, especially grasses, and can seriously damage crops.
What does it eat?
Adults rarely feed. Larvae live in the soil and eat roots. They also emerge at night to chew the bases of plant stems.
When will I see it?
Generally in the evening, at anytime of the year, but it is most common in the autumn.
Where will I see it?
Across the garden. It is often attracted to lights in the evening. Also in parks and grassland.
Cranefly
Tipula paludosa
This slender, long-legged fly is grey-brown with dark brown leading edges to its wings. It looks like a giant mosquito, but is harmless. It is also known as a daddy longlegs.
The shape of the abdomen distinguishes the sexes: the male’s is square-ended, whereas the female’s is pointed with an ovipositor (egg laying structure). There are about 300 species in the British Isles – this is the commonest.
Craneflies are usually nocturnal and are often attracted to lights. Unfortunately their legs are only weakly attached to their bodies and often break off. The dull brown larvae, known as leatherjackets, are pests. They feed on plant roots, especially grasses, and can seriously damage crops.
What does it eat?
Adults rarely feed. Larvae live in the soil and eat roots. They also emerge at night to chew the bases of plant stems.
When will I see it?
Generally in the evening, at anytime of the year, but it is most common in the autumn.
Where will I see it?
Across the garden. It is often attracted to lights in the evening. Also in parks and grassland.
