European crane fly larva, Tipula paludosa
European crane fly larva, Tipula paludosa (submitted by NaturePlus user chriscant)
Also known as leatherjackets, crane fly larvae are about 25mm long and have greyish brown leathery skin. They hatch in later summer and feed on grass roots through the winter into spring. In May or June they stop feeding and pupate in the soil. Feeding on grass roots can cause damage, especially in the spring when leatherjackets are fully grown.
