What sort of larvae are these in my soil? Pic

[stupidannoyingtaxthing]

Hope the pic works — I keep uncovering groups of them in borders, often in little cosy spots below clumps of grass near bits of stone or paving. They’re each not quite an inch long and they wriggle down into the soil quite quickly when disturbed.

Well I say that but these ones are actually just chilling out on the surface, writhing

Leatherjackets possibly, which trash lawns, and later become crane flies.

Oh I thought leatherjackets were kind of longer and flatter? I’m thinking of something else maybe, hang on — I will look them up.

Ah you could be right :(

I’d better get nematodes I guess — or is it too late?

Great food for the birds, whatever they are.

I think leatherjackets too. They are particularly fond of grass roots, and starlings are particularly fond of them.

I think these are probably St Mark's Fly larvae rather than leatherjackets. Bit hard to tell from the photo but they are typically in groups like this. Slightly hairy too, unlike leatherjackets. They're harmless, no need to do anything about them.

@BeetleManiac just wanted to let you know, I’m pretty sure you were right! We have an absolute swarm this week of what look to me like St Mark’s flies, near where I found those larvae months ago. They’re floating around in the sunshine and seem to like being near our big beech tree.

I’m glad they’re harmless but would quite like them to clear off soon. Anyone know how likely that is? Will birds eat them?

They look like leatherjackets to me. I have a lawn that’s completely infested with them and lawn is back to almost bare soil. Crane flies are on a hit list for me this year. Always thought they were harmless but there not!

@stupidannoyingtaxthing The adults will only be around for a short time to mate and lay eggs - they're pretty seasonal. I expect plenty will be eaten by birds, spiders etc.