Leatherjackets

Causal organism: Tipula spp.

Crane fly (Daddy Long Legs) are the adult of the soil pest larvae, Leatherjackets.

Crane Fly larvae feed on the roots of grasses. Usually very little damage is done as plants have a remarkable ability to compensate for minor root damage. However, when populations are high (estimated to be about 25-30 larvae per square metre) damage to turf areas can be extensive.

The adult Crane Fly is found in the late summer and early autumn. It has long legs and resembles a large mosquito (body is about 1 inch long). The larvae, called Leatherjackets, live in the soil. They hatch from eggs laid in the late summer. They feed during the autumn and into the spring of the following year. They stop feeding in May. Damage generally becomes noticeable during the spring, caused by feeding that occurred the previous autumn and winter. Damage can also occur when birds scratch at the turf surface attracted to the larvae.