March flies vs. crane flies

Crane flies, sometimes known as leatherjackets, are becoming an important pest on northeastern and northwestern golf courses. But a related insect, the March fly, can also contribute to turf damage.

In a December, 2008 Update, we reported on a severe infestation of what at first appeared to be crane fly larvae on a bermudagrass fairway. Upon further inspection, however, we found that the larvae were those of the March fly, a related insect in the fly family (Order Diptera).

Two…