ExploreInsects

Dicranomyia marmorata

Dicranomyia marmorata is a special type of fly that has beautiful patterns on its wings. These tiny insects love to live in wet places and are often seen near water, making them fun to spot!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Dicranomyia marmorata is a small, slender cranefly characterized by its beautifully mottled, marble-like wings, which give it its name. It has a brownish or grayish body and notably long, delicate legs that easily break off. This fly lacks the piercing mouthparts of mosquitoes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyLimoniidaeGenusDicranomyia

Dicranomyia marmorata

Interesting facts

Even though they have very long, spindly legs, these flies are quite slow and clumsy fliers!

Many cranefly larvae can actually live underwater for months, breathing through special tubes!

The 'marmorata' in its name means 'marbled', perfectly describing its unique, patterned wings!

They are sometimes mistaken for giant mosquitoes, but these harmless insects never bite humans!

Special abilities

Dicranomyia marmorata has beautifully mottled wings that helps them disappear against dappled light and decaying leaves on the forest floor.

Dicranomyia marmorata larvae can break down decaying plant matter because of their specialized mouthparts that help them recycle forest nutrients.

Dicranomyia marmorata uses its long, delicate antennae that helps them find mates and navigate through their damp environments.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 8-15 mm
Size: 4-7 mm
Lifespan: 7-14 days
Flight Speed: 5 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are nature's recyclers, munching on decaying plants; adults may sip nectar or just water.

Age differences: Larvae are detritivores, adults may feed on nectar or just water.

Primary Foods

decaying leaves
dead wood
fungi
nectar

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Common garden bird that preys on various insects.

eaten by

Garden Orb Weaver

Araneus diadematus

Often traps flies in its intricate orb webs.

depends on

Common Oak

Quercus robur

Larvae thrive on decaying oak leaves and wood as food.

Traits

Spotted

Marked with spots or patches of a different color.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Aerial

Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.