Crane flies with us until it turns colder
A MILD autumn means that a bumper season of crane flies could be with islanders for several more weeks yet.
The insects – also known as daddy longlegs – are currently breeding, leading to huge numbers.
La Societe entymology section secretary Trevor Bourgaize said the cause of the large numbers can be traced back to last winter.
‘The numbers are always high when we have a wet autumn/winter,’ he said.
‘And last autumn and winter was very wet, so the females, which can lay up to 300 eggs, were able to lay.’
The insects began to emerge in May, but most come out in autumn to mate and lay eggs. The numbers usually drop once the weather cools. But the British Isles is currently heading into a mild period.
Mr Bourgaize said if conditions stay warm the insects could be around for four or five more weeks.
There are around 300 species of crane fly, from as small as a mosquito to twice the size of a standard crane fly. The larger varieties can be identified by their patterned wings.
‘They are quite spectacular beasts,’ Mr Bourgaize said.
‘We rarely get them here.’
The insects form an important part of the food chain. Mr Bourgaize said they are eaten by birds, bats, mice and hedgehogs.
