
Community identification
Crane Fly
Tipulidae (Family)
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Tipulidae
- Size
- Varies by species; typically 10 to 65 mm in body length with long, slender legs.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide in moist environments such as woodlands, meadows, and wetlands; often seen near water or light sources at night.
Diet & Feeding
Adults mostly do not eat or consume only nectar; larvae (leatherjackets) typically feed on decaying organic matter, plant roots, or fungi.
Behavior Patterns
Weak fliers that are often attracted to porch lights. The larvae live in soil or water, and the adults live only long enough to mate and lay eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. In the ecosystem, they serve as a food source for birds, bats, and other insects; however, some larvae can be pests to lawn grass.