Crane Flies

Family Tipulidae

Tipula hebes. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Crane flies are mostly found in damp situations where there is abundant vegetation. Some are found in dry grassland habitats and even deserts. The larvae are called leatherjackets due to their tough skin. Some larvae are aquatic or live in wet conditions. The larvae of other species live in the soil or in fungi, mosses and decaying wood.The larvae feed mostly on decomposing organic matter and a few aquatic species are predaceous. The adults live only a few days and most of them do not feed. Species of the genus Chionea are small and wingless and are found on snow in winter. Tipulidae are medium to very large sized flies. They are usually gray or brown, the body is elongated and slender, and they have long narrow wings and long and slender legs. They could be confused with large mosquitoes but crane flies do not have a long proboscis and do not bite. The wings are often clouded or patterned and they have a 'V' shaped groove on the top of the thorax.