Crane Fly

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, near bodies of water, forests, grasslands, and sometimes indoors if attracted to light. Larvae live in soil or aquatic environments.

Diet & Feeding

Adult crane flies generally feed on nectar, water, or decaying plant matter. Some species do not feed as adults. Larvae (leatherjackets) are typically herbivorous, feeding on roots, decaying plant material, or detritus in soil or water.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are often active at dusk and dawn. They are known for their gangly appearance and often clumsy flight. They are attracted to lights. Larvae are typically subterranean or aquatic and can be found in damp soil, under leaf litter, or in shallow water.

Risks & Benefits

Crane flies are generally harmless to humans; they do not bite or sting. They are sometimes mistaken for large mosquitoes but are not blood-feeders. In some cases, large populations of larvae (leatherjackets) can cause damage to lawns, golf courses, and agricultural crops by feeding on roots. As adults, they can serve as a food source for birds and bats. Larvae also contribute to decomposition in their habitats.

Identified on: 9/27/2025