Unknown Insect

[Alice]

Last night this handsome guy came flying in my window. He was quite big - that's a wine glass he's in. Never seen his kind before. Can anybody tell me what it is , and maybe what parts of the country you usually see them in. Incase anybody's worried, he was set free. Hope he doesn't come back with his friends.

[Gryfon]

Looks like a type of crane fly. I would kill it because they produce leatherjackets which are evil pests!

[sewer rat]

Alice
Have had a quick look at one of my wildlife books and it may be Tipula maxima. Described as a "large cranefly (about 30mm) with wings conspicuously marked with brown patches. Widespread and fairly common, adults seen in Spring and Summer. Found in damp woodland and beside wooded streams. Leathery larva lives in water margins "
Common daddy long-legs is Tipula paludosa

[Alice]

Thanks guys. I'm sure it is a type of crane fly but have never seen anything that size around here before. As I said, hope there's no more, well not coming in my window anyway.

[Jaxom]

Alice. I think it would be best to kill any more you find to stop them producing leatherjackets which could cause major problems in the future.

[Alice]

Thanks Jaxom, will bear that in mind but just hoping no more come in the window !

[sewer rat]

Leatherjackets are a real problem on grass and this year seems to be a bumper year for whatever reason - but the crows and rooks seem to be enjoying them - one pest feeds another......