A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
Leatherjackets (Tipula spp.) are larva of large flies known as Crane Flies and Daddy Long Legs, they are a common pest occurring on turf grass and occasionally small plants and vegetables, often neighbouring affected lawns. Leatherjackets feed on roots and stem bases which can cause affected plants to die. However, often more problematic is damage caused by birds feeding on Leatherjackets (and sometimes also chafer grubs) within the soil.