Leatherjackets (Crane Fly Larvae)

Soil-dwelling crane fly larvae that feed on roots and collars, causing wilting and turf loss.

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies (Tipula spp.). They live in the soil and feed on roots, crowns and collars of turf, nursery stock and container-grown plants. Symptoms include patchy yellowing, wilting and turf that lifts easily like a carpet. High populations can devastate lawns and nursery beds. Biological control relies on entomopathogenic nematodes such as Steinernema feltiae, applied to moist soil in the autumn or spring when larvae are small and active.