Leatherjackets
Scientific group or name: Tipulidae
Overview
Leatherjackets are the soil-dwelling larvae of crane flies. They feed on roots, stems and foliage close to the soil surface.
Host plants
Grassland, lawns, cereals, vegetable crops and container-grown plants.
Identification
Larvae are grey-brown, legless and tough-skinned, with no obvious head capsule. They may curl when disturbed.
Damage and symptoms
Root feeding causes thinning, wilting and poor establishment. Larvae may also cut seedlings or pull foliage into surface burrows.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Egg laying is favoured by moist grass or weedy ground. Damage is often most evident from autumn through spring.
Monitoring
Inspect soil beneath failing plants and use soil sampling where pastures or lawns have recently been converted to cropping.
Management
Manage grassy weeds, avoid planting highly vulnerable crops into heavily infested ground and encourage birds and natural enemies where appropriate.
Biological control and natural enemies
Steinernema feltiae and other appropriate entomopathogenic nematodes may suppress young larvae when soil temperatures and moisture are suitable.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.