Crane Fly

Natural Habitat

Grassy areas, woodlands, and near bodies of water or moist soil.

Diet & Feeding

Adults mostly do not eat or drink nectar; larvae (leatherjackets) eat decaying organic matter or plant roots.

Behavior Patterns

Often seen flying clumsily around porch lights or windows; life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and a very short-lived adult stage focused on mating.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting; beneficial to the ecosystem as a food source for birds and bats, though larvae can occasionally damage turf grass.

Identified on: 4/16/2026