Aliases  European Crane Fly; Mosquito Hawks; Tipula paludosa

Description
Hangout: Young stay protected in soil of lawns; adults bob around lawns and porch lights in August and September
Physical Features: Young are wormlike with tough brownish skin and care called "leatherjackets"; adults are about 1: long with wings and spindly legs, and look like giant mosquitoes

Life Cycle
Leatherjackets are below-the-belt villains, attacking both the roots and tops of grass blades in the spring. In mid-May, European crane flies cease the attack and retreat to hideouts just below the soil, until August or September. When they emerge as adults, they look intimidating, resembling overgrown mosquitoes. However, adults won't attack your lawn. They only emerge for mating and egg laying.

CAUTION
WARM WEATHER PERIODS IN LATE WINTER OR EARLY SPRING CAN LEAD TO EARLY FEEDING AND EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO LAWNS.

Give us a call if you suspect you have Crane fly/Leatherjackets