Killer A: The Leatherjacket
A.K.A Tipula paludosa A.K.A Daddy Long Legs A.K.A Crane Flies A.K.A Those Damned Things.
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Very few people make the connection between a lawn covered in hopping Daddy Long Legs and those really irritating yellow and bare patches left at the scene of the crime.
Have you seen this grub?
These little critters are cigar shaped, soft-bodied, and brown to greyish black, legless creatures, up to 5cm long. They do not have a distinct head and in no way are they cute.
Did you know?
They get their name because of their thick skin. It may not be the most sinister looking creature in the world but don't let that fool you. These little blighters are the real cause of your dying lawn.
Pest life cycle
Adults develop from pupae from late summer and through the autumn. Female Daddy Long Legs mate and within 24 hours lay up to 300 eggs in the grass. Within 2 weeks these eggs hatch into larvae (Leatherjackets) and the death of your beautiful lawn begins.
To read about Chafer grubs, click on the brown tab on the right
