Tipulidae
The crane flies are a family (Tipulidae) of insects resembling giant mosquitoes. Like the mosquito, they are in the order Diptera (flies). In Commonwealth English, they are sometimes called "daddy longlegs" (a name shared with the unrelated spider-like harvestman (Opiliones) and the cellar spider (Pholcid)) or occasionally "mosquito hawks" (but that name usually refers to the dragonflies). Crane flies do not eat mosquitoes or bite humans. In fact, adult crane flies live for only a few days to mate, and do not feed at all (some species' adults may occasionally lap nectar, but never blood).
In appearance they seem long and gangly, with very long legs, and a long slender abdomen. The wings are often held out when at rest, making the large halteres easily visible. Unlike mosquitoes, crane flies are weak and poor fliers, therefore can be caught rapidly without effort. However, it is very easy to accidentally break off their delicate legs when catching them, even without direct contact. This may help them to evade the birds who pursue them as prey.
Temperate species range up to 60mm in size, while tropical species have been recorded at over 100mm. They are attracted toward light. The females have swollen abdomen (because of eggs inside) in comparison to the males. The female abdomen also ends in a pointed ovipositor that looks like a sting, although functionally it is not so.
Adult crane flies feed on nectar or not at all , while their larvae, called leatherjackets, consume roots (such as those of turf grass in backyard lawns) and other vegetation, in some cases causing damage to plants. Therefore the crane fly is occasionally considered a mild turf pest in some areas. Some leatherjackets are aquatic.
At least 14,000 species have been described (most of them by the specialist Charles P. Alexander), making Tipulidae the largest family of Diptera. The Giant Crane Fly (Holorusia rubiginosa) of the West can reach 38mm (1-3/8 inches). Some Tipula species are 64mm (2-1/2 inches). There are many smaller species (known as bobbing gnats) are that mosquito-sized, but they can distinguished by the the V-shaped suture on the thorax and a lack of ocelli.
They are the food source of many birds.
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Referenced By
Daddy long-legs | Daddy longlegs | Diptera | Fly (animal) | Harvestman | Harvestmen | Opiliones
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