In most parts of the country the insect we refer to as a Daddy Longlegs is one of a number of similar looking flies called Craneflies. Although some people also call Harvestmen, arachnids rather than insects, by the same title.
We very recently (24th December 2023) uploaded a video to you tube showing what a Cranefly Larva looked like, known by some as a leatherjacket. In effect a Baby Daddy Longlegs. We were examining some moss when we noticed it moving about. Not exactly cute…
As it happens, we came across a Cranefly on the Garden steps today (2nd January 2024), that appeared to be a) dead and b) floating. Confused, we got up close and after a few seconds realised that the little guy was neither dead or floating, in fact quite the opposite. It was a newly emerged adult, still attached to the larval casing which was hidden from view underneath in the moss where it no doubt spent the first stages of it’s life.
At about 18 seconds in you can see we filmed the side of the Thorax to confirm the presence of a black stripe, which hints strongly at this being Tipula rufina. A species we see regularly in the Garden.
Many people are a little scared of Craneflies, which seeing as there are over 300 different species in Britain is a little unfortunate. Some say this is because they look a little like flying spiders. Of course no spider exists that has wings and Craneflies are totally harmless to humans. Many lack the ability to feed. However it may just be the way they move about, clumsily bumping into everything, especially people and especially their hair.
The greater the diversity of habitats within your garden and by extension the species they support, the greater will be your chances of observing many of the important life cycles/stages of the animals and plants that share our gardens and homes. Which makes Gardens so much more interesting, if you take the time to look.
DC: 02/01/2024
Wildlife Garden 