It's that time of the year.

The Season

Late winter/early spring is a time when a lot of creeps and critters are reborn and reintroduced into the Texas landscape. Sometimes it's difficult to tell what's good, what's bad, or what's a bit bothersome but still beneficial. Soon, if not already, you'll be seeing an insect that does more good than harm.

The Texas Crane Fly

The biggest misconception about Crane Flies is that they are related to mosquitos. They can't even bite you. When you think about it, they just flit around in a manner that seems semi-aimless so it's crazy that some people freak out about them. They start life as grubs that eat rotten plant matter and some graduate to plant nectars and they may even be a small link in a pollination chain.

So What Are They?

I'll confess, I never heard of a "Crane Fly" until today. In fact, I'll bet most of you refer to them as "Daddy Long Legs". So now that you know exactly what I'm talking about, let's review the important parts: they do not bite, and they are not mosquitos. Also, right now is when you're most likely to see them.

The Good They Do

As grubs, they are very good for the soil, and as adults, they are also a big snack for birds (Sorry, but "circle of life" and all that).  Some never even feed as adults. They go from grub to flying insects, lay eggs, and die. Right now would probably be a good time to quit getting creeped out by these creatures and just let them enjoy their place in the world.