Crane flies have invaded!

Lately, we noticed large mosquito-like flying insects showing up in large numbers in our lawn and garden. Whenever I walk in the front lawn a large number of them will take flight. The wife is scared to open the windows..

Yesterday we had a nice lade from York Region come over to evaluate our garden for water-efficiency (i.e. plants and lawn that require less water, and best-practices to reduce water use) and I took the opportunity to ask her about the pests.

Anyways we think they are crane flies.


Picture from sustainableliving.blogs.com

Interestingly, the adults don't really feed.. they hatch, and mate, and they die. However, the larvae (called leatherjackets because of their tough skin) are said to be susceptible to nematodes.. so I think we'll give it a try.

Some more links:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profiles0206/leatherjackets.asp
http://www.mushroomfactory.ca/2008/04/leatherjackets-cranefly.html
http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/diseases/nursery/pests/european_e.html
http://www.plcao.on.ca/customerTips_insects.html
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/leatherj.htm
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/Pest%20Photos%20101%20to%20200.htm (see #180)