
Community identification
Crane Fly
Tipula species
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Tipulidae
- Size
- 2 to 60 mm wingspan depending on species
Natural Habitat
Moist environments including gardens, woodlands, and near bodies of water
Diet & Feeding
Adults typically do not eat or drink only nectar; larvae (leatherjackets) eat decaying organic matter and roots
Behavior Patterns
Attracted to lights at night and often seen resting on walls; they are weak fliers with a very short adult lifespan focused on mating
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting; larvae can sometimes damage turf grass but adults serve as a food source for birds and bats