European marsh crane fly Flashcards
What is the latin name for the European marsh crane fly?
Tipula paludosa Meigen.
When was the European marsh crane fly was first recorded in BC?
First report was in 1965, Vancouver, British Columbia.
What are the susceptible hosts?
Will attack any species present on the nursery site in the spring ages 2 + 0.
Where are they found in BC?
They can be found within coastal nurseries. Since the eggs and larvae are extremely sensitive to heat, they have been restricted to the colder coastal areas.
When does the damage take place?
The damage takes place early spring. The larvae feed heavily about mid-May, and lightly thereafter until they pupate around min-July.
How many generations can the crane fly complete in one year?
One generation, passing through the egg, larvae, pupa, and adult stages.
What does the larva look like?
They are green and brown with black specs, legless, and about 3 mm long.
What do the adult fliers look like?
They resemble mosquitoes, buuut they don’t bite. Phew!
How long do the adults live for?
The males live about 7-days while the females live 4-5 days.
Where do the adults lay their eggs and what do they look like?
The females can lay up to 280 black eggs, and they are laid on or within 1 cm of the soils surface. The females prefer moist soils to lay her eggs.
Briefly describe the life cycle?
The larvae girdles and feeds on upper roots, pupate in mid-summer, adults then emerge in summer to early fall, eggs are laid on the soils surface, and hatch within 2-weeks. They also overwinter as larvae and feed only during warm periods.
How are leatherjackets managed?
If the seedbeds have had previous damage, they are monitored in the early spring.
How are they monitored or counted?
They are monitored by treating several 30cm2 plots with 1 cup of secticide drench. The secticide will force the larvae out of the soil to be counted and removed.
Can insecticides by a viable option for controlling the adult pest?
NOPE! Insecticide is of no value because the adult crane flies do not eat, rather they lay their immediately after emerging.
Can insecticide control the leatherjackets at a larvae stage?
Yes - however, it must be done in October during the early stages of development. Susceptible stocks are drenched with insecticides, with additional sprays on the top soil in the evening went the larvae surface.
