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

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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.