Crane Fly

Tipula spp.

The Crane Fly looks like a giant mosquito, but it doesn't bite! They are often found near water and are harmless.

Habitat: Wetlands, fields, and gardens

Appearance

The Crane Fly has an elongated, slender body, extremely long, delicate legs, and transparent wings. Its body is typically brownish-gray, strikingly resembling a giant mosquito but notably lacking the piercing mouthparts.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTipulidaeGenusTipula

Crane Fly

Interesting facts

Despite their mosquito-like look, adult crane flies are totally harmless and don't bite!

Many adult crane flies don't even have mouths to eat, living only a few days!

Some crane flies are pollinating flowers, sipping nectar with their tiny tongues!

Their underground larvae are called 'leatherjackets' because of their tough, leathery skin.

Special abilities

Crane Flies can shed a leg if caught by a predator, a trick called autotomy, helping them flee to safety.

Crane Flies have large, delicate wings that help them hover gently and move slowly through the air.

Crane Fly larvae live underground, munching on decaying plants and roots with tough bodies.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 20-70 mm
Size: 10-40 mm
Lifespan: 5-15 days
Flight Speed: 5 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult crane flies usually sip nectar or dew, while their larvae munch on decaying plants and roots.

Age differences: Adult crane flies consume nectar/dew, while their larval stage (leatherjackets) primarily feeds on decaying organic matter and plant roots.

Primary Foods

nectar
dew
decaying leaves
plant roots
fungi

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins often catch slow-moving adult crane flies in gardens.

eaten by

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

Bats hunt crane flies in flight during their nighttime foraging.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adult crane flies visit goldenrod flowers, transferring pollen as they feed.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Decomposer

Meet the cleanup crew of nature! These vital organisms help break down dead things, returning nutrients to the soil and keeping our ecosystems healthy.

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.