On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 22:27:46 GMT, "al"
wrote:

"Phil L" wrote in message
. ..
They are craneflies.
Their grubs are known as leatherjackets and live in the soil (and they are
ugly as sin!)...no they don't nest, they're not spiders and you can get
rid
of them by keeping windows closed when the lights are on...also turn off
any
outside lights as they will hang around and wait for you to open the door!

Thanks for the pointer - I've been able to find them on the web now. I
think the Americans have a different thing in mind when they say Daddy
long-legs .. would seem to be an actual spider over there that eats other
spiders.

It seems to be a generic term for a number in insects.
Back in Essex, the Daddy Longlegs was the Harvestman ( not actually a
spider ) - and here in Hants the Cardinal spider seems to have taken
on the title...and this is the one that preys on other spiders - or at
least that's how it appears. I've often seen them feeding on corpses
of large house spiders, but never actually seen one catch the other.

Considering the difference in size and speed, I'm none too sure how
the Cardinal manages it.

As for the Cranefly...my Jack Russell loves 'em. A tasty seasonal
treat. The other dog won't touch them at all - so perhaps it's an
acquired taste?

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{who is at}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk