Crane Fly

Natural Habitat

Adult crane flies are commonly found in damp, vegetated areas, especially near water sources like ponds, streams, and marshes. They are often seen in lawns, gardens, and wooded areas.

Diet & Feeding

Adult craneflies typically feed on nectar or do not feed at all; their primary purpose is reproduction. Larvae feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and sometimes roots of plants, which can make them a lawn and pasture pest.

Behavior Patterns

Craneflies generally have a short adult lifespan, often lasting only a few days. They are most active at dusk and dawn. Larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic (aquatic usually called "wrigglers" or "bloodworms"), and terrestrial larvae sometimes called "leatherjackets". They feed on decaying organic matter or roots in the soil.

Risks & Benefits

Crane flies are largely harmless to humans as adults; they do not bite or sting. However, their larvae (leatherjackets) can be agricultural or lawn pests by feeding on plant roots. They can be beneficial as decomposers in their larval stage, helping to break down organic matter in the soil.

Identified on: 9/4/2025