Crane Fly: Characteristics, Lifespan & Behavior

Characteristics

The Tipulidae family includes the Crane fly, one of the largest insect groups with about 15,000 species known to science. 

Their slim bodies, lengthy legs, and wingspans—which, depending on the species, can reach up to 6.5 cm—help identify them. 

Although having a resemblance to big mosquitoes, crane flies are not bloodsuckers. Their main function in the ecology is to provide food for insectivores such as spiders and birds.

 Habitat

The wet conditions in which crane flies are frequently found are essential to their survival, especially during the early phases of their life cycle. 

These insects are usually found in places with lots of water or vegetation. Among their habitats are:

• Wetlands: Crane flies are found in wetlands, perfect for egg-laying and larval development since the soil is kept damp.

• Gardens and Lawns: Crane flies are frequently observed in suburban areas near gardens and lawns, especially in regions with wet soil. This is the location of their egg lays as well as the home of their leatherjacket larvae.

• Areas: Because they have access to lots of organic material for their larvae to feed and the necessary water, crane flies grow in densely forested areas with lots of undergrowth.

• Near Water Bodies: Crane flies frequently go to streams, rivers, and ponds because these environments maintain the high humidity levels that their larvae prefer.

Crane Fly Diet

Some bugs help the environment by eating old plants and putting nutrients back into the soil. But some kinds of these bugs can damage the roots of grass and crops, which is bad for farming when there are a lot of them.

Adult Diet

There is still substantial confusion about the adult crane flies' eating habits. Adult crane flies do not go through a substantial eating phase like larvae do. 

It is thought that they can feed very little or not at all, depending on the nectar or other liquids they take in. At the adult stage, they are more concerned with reproduction than food.

You May Also Like: Button Quail

Behavior

Some larvae display carnivorous behavior, consuming other small creatures in the soil.

Crane Fly Life Cycle

• Egg Stage: Crane fly females are capable of laying up to 350 eggs in the soil which will hatch in two weeks.

• Larval Stage: The larvae consume grass and weeds, and break down wood. When found in big quantities, they may damage plant roots. They usually overwinter underground and go through four stages.

• Pupal Stage: The larvae pupate close below the surface of the ground in the middle to late spring. Adults leave behind little, grey pupal casings when they hatch.

• Adult Stage: Crane flies only live for a few days as adults, long enough to mate and have offspring.

Crane Fly Larvae

Slim and Lengthened: The larvae are long, cylindrical bugs that have a maximum length of 4 cm.

Tough Skin: Their strong, brown skin is what makes them known as "leatherjackets."

gregarious feeders They are known to harm the roots of many different plants, including crops and grasses, and they mostly feed on decomposing plant waste.

Throughout the winter, leatherjackets stay active and keep growing. They go through a pupal stage in the spring, when they get ready to make their final change into adult crane flies.

Crane Fly Bite

The idea that crane flies bite is among the most widespread ones. Crane fly, however, do not bite. 

Crane flies are completely harmless to people, even though they look like big mosquitoes. 

Their main function as adults is breeding, and they lack the parts of their mouths necessary to bite or sting.

Crane Fly Lifespan

A crane fly's life span changes according to its stage of development. The longest stage is the larval one, which can extend up to a year. The pupal stage lasts for a few weeks. 

Crane flies only have a short lifespan of a few days to a week after reaching adulthood. 

Their only goal in this brief adult stage is to mate and reproduce before going rare.

Crane Fly Size

The larvae are long, cylindrical bugs that have a maximum length of 4 cm. Depending on the species can reach up to 6.5 cm

Crane Fly Color

Depending on the species and stage of development, crane flies display a variety of colors. Adult crane flies typically look like:

Brown or Grey

They can blend in with their surroundings thanks to the brown or a gray-colored shading of their bodies.

Transparent Wings

Crane flies have delicate-looking wings that are usually transparent with noticeable lines.
On the other hand, the leatherjacket larvae are typically.

Dark Brown

They can be easily identified when found in the soil due to their characteristic dark brown rough skin.

Crane Fly vs Mosquito

• Although having different looks, crane flies and mosquitoes are the same species.

• Mosquitoe is much smaller than crane fly

• There is some truth to the theory that crane flies eat mosquitoes.

• Larvae of crane flies may feed on water mosquito larvae.

• Mosquitoes are not eaten by or dealt with by adult crane flies.

• Because they may spread disease, mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals.

• There is no danger to people from crane flies.

• Diseases are neither carried nor spread by crane flies.

• The body structure of a mosquito is more compact and smaller.

• Crane flies are thin with long, sensitive legs.

• Neither bite nor sting do crane flies.

• Mosquitoes diseases including dengue and malaria.

• Although harmless, crane flies can be confused with mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes can reproduce several times and have a longer lifespan.

• Crane flies are typically found in or close to bodies of water.

• Standing water attracts mosquitoes, who then release their eggs there.

• Crane flies eat decomposing materials, which benefits the ecosystem.

• Blood is the food that mosquitoes consume and are dependent on for reproduction.

Conclusion

Although frequently misinterpreted, crane flies are a vital part of the environment. 

Their Crane Fly's unique life cycle, diets, and habitats enable them to contribute greatly to the recycling of nutrients and provide food for a variety of carnivores. 

Understanding the traits of these insects, such as their non-biting nature and life cycle stages, contributes to their demystification and emphasizes their importance in the natural world.

FAQS

What is the significance of crane fly wings?

The clear, sensitive wings of crane flies are frequently speckled with unique veins. 

Crane flies use their wings for brief, mostly mate-finding trips, rather than for long-distance flight.

Do crane flies migrate?

The classic feeling of migration is not seen when crane flies. When they reach adulthood, some species, however, could move to different locations in search of mates or suitable locations to lay eggs.

Can crane fly populations become invasive?

Crane fly populations have the potential to spread quickly and cause issues under certain conditions, especially in agriculture. 

But in most settings, they are not usually regarded as intrusive.