|
Sun, Apr 5, 09 at 12:14
| My neighborhood in north Orange County is infested this year with bugs that look like giant mosquitos. Anyone know what they are called and are they a beneficial insects or something I should try to kill? Every time I open the door several try to fly inside, and if I mow the grass dozens of them rise up out of the grass ahead of my lawnmower. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by gardenguru1950 SunsetZ16 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 5, 09 at 13:31
| They are crane flies (mostly species of Tipula). They're beneficial in the sense that their larvae feed on decomposing vegetation in mucky wet areas. A couple of fun myths: many people call them "mosquito hawks" or "mosquito eaters", thinking they catch mosquitos. And an old Italian myth: they poke you in the eyes (and why else would they have such long legs?!). Joe |
|
| Cal: I live in OC too. Those crane flies are completely harmless, but they drive my wife insane. Luckily I have a solution: carnivorous plants. Here's a photo of a sundew feasting on an unlucky crane fly:
|
|
- Posted by wally-1936 Richmond Texas (My Page) on Tue, Apr 7, 09 at 10:06
| Thanks I always thought that was what they were like many others. We don't get bothered by them and aways left them alone. Nice to know what they really are Paul |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the California Gardening Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.