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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: Why is there a sudden surge in Daddy Long Legs (Crane Fly) numbers?
« on: 22/05/2007 18:54:11 »
Daddy long legs, or Harvestmen, are actually related to spiders inasmuch as both spiders and harvestmen are groups of Arachnids. However, spiders (Araneae) and Harvestmen (Opiliones) are distinct and separate groups. The common name "Crane Fly" could and often is, be applied to several families of long-antenna-ed flies but it is generally understood to refer to members of the family Tipulidae. The larvae (maggots) of these guys, btw, are pretty important consumers of of fallen leaves in water of small streams. They are called Leatherjackets after their brown, tough, and flexible cuticle.
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