Crane Fly (Tipula Spp)
Dani Stolze
Habitat
Crane Flies can live in a variety of places
- Ponds
- Marshes
- Rivers
Crane Flies tend to live under leaves and sand at the bottom of their pond, marsh, or river. Also Crane Flies are relatively pollution tolerant.
Appearance
- A Crane Fly larvae is light brown or green worm-like structure and no visible head
- An adult Crane Fly has very fragile, long legs
- Crane Flies also have wings, although they don't fly very well
- They are capable of growing up to 2.5 inches
- Crane Flies are similar to mosquitos appearance wise, however, Crane Flies are incapable of stinging
Identification
Several characteristics helped to identify the Crane Fly:
- Worm-like shape
- Browish color
- No distinguishable head
Eating Habits
- Crane Fly larvae eat plant roots, decaying plants, dead leaves, and fungi
- Adult Crane Flies do not eat anything, their only objective is to mate and then die