Crane Flies in Central Arkansas
With the appearance of a supersized version of a mosquito, crane flies are found all around the world. With long bodies and thin legs, crane flies are sometimes called mosquito wasps or mosquito hawks, even though they do not prey on or bite as mosquitoes do. They are usually found in temperate or tropical climates and are largely harmless. The larva of this species is considered most damaging or problematic as they will feed on the roots, crowns, and above-ground portions of grass plants.
Crane Fly Habitat
Crane flies can be found in lawns, turf, compost piles, and moist soil around ponds and streams. The females lay their eggs that turn into wormlike larvae (called “leatherjackets”) as they are small and brown. The leatherjackets will feed on crowns and roots of grass and clover plants during the fall and then spend winter in the soil as larvae. Around the middle of May, they will enter a nonfeeding pupal stage until late summer when they wiggle to the surface and depart as adults.
Crane Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Adult crane flies do not bite or spread diseases, although crane flies in lawn grass can be problematic. While in the lawn grass, the fly larvae will feed on the crowns and blades of grass, which will lead to damage to lawns and turf. This can be noticed in dying patches of turfgrass in March and April. Populations of crane fly larvae are reduced by as much as 50% during the winter months and between March and May as a result of predators such as birds and ground beetles and other natural causes.
If you are dealing with a crane fly problem on your property, contact your local exterminators.
