The British, some Canadians, and some southeastern Americans use the "daddy" term for long-legged flies (Crane Flies), which are insects. In southeastern America they may also be known as mosquito hawks and are thought to pray on mosquitoes, another myth.
Crane Flies are most easily distinguished by its long legs and appearance similar to that of a large mosquito. The life cycle of the crane fly can vary significantly from species to species. However, the majority of crane flies have an aquatic larval stage. The adult crane fly has an average life expectancy of a couple days, during which time they reproduce.
Larval crane flies feed on leaf litter and other decomposing organic matter. Most adult crane flies do not have mouths and are thus unable to feed. However, some species of adult crane fly have adapted to feed on nectar.[6]