Crane Fly

Tipulidae oleracea

Appearance

Image of Crane Fly (Tipulidae oleracea) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • Adult – 1" 3/8 long (wingspan 2" 15/16). They are grey–brown and slender. Their legs are super–thin and long.
  • Larvae – 9/16"–2" 15/16. They are worm–like and grey, brown or cream–coloured.

Lifecycle

  • Eggs are laid over the water of a pond or lake, or on the vegetation near the lake shore and hatch after about six weeks.
  • The larvae live in the water or in moist soil for up to five years depending on the species.
  • In the spring the larvae pupate and then emerge as adults.

Habits

  • As adults they neither feed, bite nor sting.
  • The larvae, called leatherjackets, consume roots (such as garden lawns) and other vegetation.