The Daddy Longlegs is actually a large type of cranefly, of which there are around 300 species in the UK. Familiar to all of us in its adult form as the gangly insect that flits around our homes in summer, the larvae of the Daddy Longlegs are grey grubs (also known as 'leatherjackets') which live underground, feeding on plants stems and roots. This habit makes them unpopular with gardeners as they can leave bare patches of lawn, and can also become agricultural pests. The adults are on the wing during the late summer and are common in gardens and fields, often coming indoors. They rarely feed at this time, concentrating on mating and laying their eggs amongst the grass.
Hot summers as a result of climate change can have a devastating impact on insects like the Daddy Longlegs, killing off the larvae. In turn, this has a negative effect on species that feed on such insects, particularly those that are already vulnerable like the Golden Plover. When it comes to feeding their chicks, there are just not enough adult craneflies emerging at the right time, so the chicks starve. The Wildlife Trusts are working to combat climate change by promoting their vision of a Living Landscape: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which allow wildlife to move and adapt, and provide inspiring places for people too. You can support this greener future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
