Daddy longlegs
Tipulidae
Conservation status: Common
When to see: August to September
About
The daddy longlegs, also known as the cranefly, is a fascinating insect that belongs to a family of 94 species in the UK. Most of us are familiar with its gangly appearance as it flits around our homes during late summer. However, many people don’t know that this insect starts life as a grey grub, also known as a leatherjacket, that lives underground and feeds on plant stems and roots. Unfortunately, this habit can make it an unpopular species with gardeners as it can leave bare patches of lawn and even become an agricultural pest. Despite its less-than-ideal reputation, the daddy longlegs is common in gardens and fields during the late summer months. During this time, the adults are on the wing and can often come indoors. Interestingly, they rarely feed during this time, instead focusing on mating and laying their eggs among the grass. Overall, the daddy longlegs is a unique and intriguing insect and a valued food source for many birds.
| See also different: | Garden flies |
