Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
European Crane Fly

Image of European Crane Fly

Problem Info

Grass blades are eaten in patches, often beginning at the edges of the lawn. The patches may spread until most of the lawn is affected. A brownish paste covers the ground in heavily infested areas. Legless, brownish-gray grubs, about 1 inch long, may be found just under the surface. Late the previous summer, many European crane flies-long-legged, mosquitolike insects-were present around the house. Adult crane flies do not sting or do any other damage. They lay eggs in lawns, and grubs that hatch from the eggs feed on grass blades. The most severe damage occurs in March and April.

Analysis

Tipula paludosa The adult form of this insect looks like a large mosquito with very long legs that break off easily. European crane flies often swarm around houses in large numbers in late summer. Their numbers are alarming, but adult crane flies do not sting or do any other damage. They lay eggs in lawns, pastures, or fields in late summer. The grubs that hatch from the eggs feed on grass blades and clover during the fall, spend the winter buried in the soil, and resume feeding in the spring. The most severe damage occurs in March and April. Feeding stops by mid-May. The adults emerge in late August and September. The grass is rarely killed in the damaged areas and recovers after feeding stops.

Solution Advice

The grass is rarely killed in damaged areas, and it usually recovers after feeding stops.

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