Crane Fly

Natural Habitat

Damp, vegetated areas, including forests, marshes, and suburban gardens. Adults are often found near lights at night.

Diet & Feeding

Adult crane flies generally feed on nectar, decaying plant matter, or do not feed at all. Larvae (known as 'leatherjackets') feed on roots, decaying organic matter, or sometimes small invertebrates in soil or aquatic environments.

Behavior Patterns

Adult crane flies are often mistaken for large mosquitoes due to their appearance, but they do not bite or sting. They are generally clumsy fliers and are attracted to lights. Larvae live in soil, rotting wood, or aquatic environments, often near the surface. Their life cycle typically involves egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Risks & Benefits

Crane flies pose no direct risk to humans as adults; they do not bite or transmit diseases. As larvae, certain species can be considered pests in lawns and crops due to root feeding, causing damage. However, they also play a beneficial role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down organic matter, and serve as a food source for various birds, bats, and other insects.

Identified on: 9/21/2025