Leatherjackets
Leatherjackets  Leatherjackets are also known as crane flies. The wingspan may be 2in(5cm) across. Adults are clumsy and weak fliers. Adults are short lived and may feed on floral nectar or not at all. There are many species. It is the larvae that cause damage to plants.Susceptible Plants- include lawns, also brassicas, strawberries, lettuce, and various ornamentals. Life Cycle- The larvae of the crane fly is legless, brown to grayish black, fat, soft-bodied and grows to about 2-3in(5-7.5cm) long. The leatherjacket larvae have no distinct head. In late summer, adult flies lay up to 300 eggs in lawns, grassland or in soil near plants Eggs hatch approximately 2 weeks later. Leatherjackets feed on roots during the autumn and the following spring and summer. Adults emerge in late summer and early fall. ARBICO Organics: Eco-Conscious Solutions to Pest Problems
Symptoms- yellowing patches on lawns in dry weather. Starlings may be seen probing lawns in search of leatherjackets. Leatherjacket larvae also feed on root of young plants during the spring. Plants turn yellow, wilt and may die. Symptoms can be confused with cutworm damage and also root infecting fungi. It is important to confirm the presence of leatherjackets before taking action.
Prevention and Control- raise plants in pots before transplanting to produce a vigorous root system. Do not plant susceptible on newly cleared land. Trap leatherjackets on lawns by thoroughly watering yellow areas and covering overnight with burlap tarpaulin, or a similar material. Larvae will come to the surface under the covering. Pick off and destroy the larvae the following morning. This method can be used on cultivated land by placing a layer of grass clippings under the cover. Leave for 1 to 2 days then pick off and destroy the leatherjackets that surface. Repeat then fork the soil lightly to expose larvae that remain. Biological Control- Outdoors use Beneficial Nematodes - S. Feltiae Insecticidal Control- Grub Beater
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