Identification of flying insect

[minxski]

Hi all

There is an insect that (I believe) is very common and I have always known it as daddy long legs. It basically looks like a very spindly spider that flies.

I can't say I get close and personal with it, as they scare the bejesus out of me and make me shiver ~ I just tend to run away from them in all honesty. However, I try not to kill them as I have no idea if they are good or bad ~ plus I hate killing anything.

Basic description:
Black body, legs and wings. About 2"-3" long. Very thin legs, thin body and wings. They almost hover when they fly. When they land they bounce on their legs.

Where I see them: They are usually in the garden on walls. Although are attracted to light, when I turn the light on and have the windows open they fly in and follow light. They also have a tendency to fly at your face (or maybe it's just mine!)

During my time at different locations I have spotted these insects: Derbyshire, London, Somerset, Leicestershire, Chester

I know this isn't a great description, but I'm hoping you may have some ideas as to what they are and what they do in life

[Kayleigh]

sound like a crane-fly
do they look like this..
crane-fly - Google Search

They are harmless the female has an ovipositor that looks like a stinger but its for egg laying in grass.

The larvae are found in grass and known as leatherjackets and can be considered a pest in the lawn as they feed on the roots but grass grows quick and I dont find them a problem the birds love them.

[minxski]

HI Kayleigh

Thank you for you answer, yes that is them!

Even looking at the pictures makes me shiver

Good to know they are harmless ~ although I still wonder why they fly at my face!

Thanks again

Mel

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by minxski

HI Kayleigh

Thank you for you answer, yes that is them!

Even looking at the pictures makes me shiver

Good to know they are harmless ~ although I still wonder why they fly at my face!

Thanks again

Mel

They's just clumsy..
learn to love wildlife not just the cuddly bits..

Welcome to WAB..

[minxski]

lol Kayleigh, that made me laugh and scared the cat! ~ I do love wildlife, just don't want to cuddle them all