DADDY LONGLEGS (Crane Fly)
Diptera Tipulidae
*Diptera is the order which also encompasses flies
*Females posses an OVIPOSITOR
*Larvae pupate during winter in soil and emerge in spring, reaching maturity in early autumn
*Larvae are known as "Leatherjackets"
*Larvae feed on decaying vegetation, fungi and roots
*There is some debate as to whether adults feed at all. If they do, it seems as if they feed on nectar
*In 1968, renowned Tipulidae expert, B.E.Freeman studied the species at Matley Bog, in the New Forest
*Common Names for the species are:
- Daddy Longlegs
- Lollygaggers
- Gollywhoppers
- Gallinippers
- Doizabizzlers
- Chicken Flies
- Jimmy Spinners
- Skeeter Eaters
- Flipadoodles