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Community Corner

The (Not So) Scary Crane Fly

It may look big and bad, but the Crane Fly is among the most harmless of summer's insects.

Mothing is a very interesting pursuit. It fills in the gaps, the desire to search for and identify new things when I can’t be out birding, looking for butterflies or dragonflies, or doing photography. And, as I’ve said in previous articles, it keeps me from watching some mediocre to awful television. However, in looking for moths, one will invariably come across some “other” insects. After all, moths are not the only things attracted to the special lights bulbs I use to draw them in.  

There’s rarely an evening when I don’t have to shake insects off of my arms…often frequently (try that while trying to hold the camera steady for moth shots), or from my neck or hair. It’s part of the process, and you become used to it, sort of — that is, if the insect isn’t dangerous or angry or hungry for a meal). (Mosquitoes think I’m a walking Ben & Jerry’s treat.) But there IS an insect that truly frightens the daylights out of most people. It has been described as the 747 of insects, or the B-52 of mosquitoes. Its lazy flight makes it appear as if it’s just jockeying for a chance to attack that uncovered arm or cheek or the back of your knee. This is the dreaded…(wait for the dramatic drumroll)…Crane Fly! 

OK, what’s a Crane Fly and what do you need to know?

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These are sometimes really large insects of the family Tipulidae. The body length may exceed one inch, but the wing span and leg stance may be much larger, even greater than three inches. To most people, these are mosquitoes on steroids, and they react appropriately. Their six gangly legs, thin body and the shape of their wings DO appear mosquito-like, but they are NOT mosquitoes. In fact, they are in an entirely different family. Adult Crane Flies either feed on nectar (at times), or they may not feed at all…and that’s it. They cannot sting or bite and therefore are truly, absolutely (and medically) harmless to us. 

Because of the fragility of those spindly legs, even trying very gently to capture one with your hands (to observe at close range, of course) may result in a leg or two becoming detached. This is actually an effective defense that enables them to escape the ill-meaning advances of birds, bats and other animals. 

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Crane flies exhibit two important and interesting anatomical features. The first is a pair of what appear to be mid-body antennae, thin appendages, each with a small ball on the end, just behind the wings. These are halteres and actually function like a gyroscope to stabilize the wobbly flight of the insect. 

The second feature is the ovipositor at the end of the female’s abdomen (which has a fatter, more swollen appearance than the male due to the presence of  eggs). This  egg-laying organ looks very much like a stinger, but its only function is to deposit eggs in moist locations, usually filled with organic matter on which the larvae will feed in the spring. 

Crane flies are short-lived and will appear in our area in around the start of spring, and last until November. While several varieties may be found here, the one to the right is typical of what makes us think of a flying, super hypodermic needle that is going to cause us pain, and make us itch for weeks. But now you know that just can’t happen. 

Aside from eating nectar (at least some of them) the only other function they have in this adult form is to mate.  The bottom line is that while you may not like them on you or in your home, there is no reason at all to fear them.  

Since they are attracted to outside lights (and especially the compact fluorescent lights I use to attract and photograph moths), Crane Flies seem to find easy entry into homes each time a door is opened. Frequently it’s not because they specifically WANT to get in, but because they are literally drawn in by the draft created by the opening door. In the late fall, when you’re getting the house ready for winter, you may find the remnants of several behind chairs or curtains or the washing machine. These insects found their way in but couldn’t get out again. 

Are these the infamous B-52’s of mosquitoes that we are all to fear? Not at all! In fact, they are more like quiet gliders that take advantage of wind currents. 

Of course, there ARE insects that may legitimately be of greater concern…or perhaps not. 

Spiders are NOT insects. 

They have eight legs and insects have six. 

Some are just unusual and interesting (and harmless), as are the two types of lacewing, one Green and one Brown.

To really warrant your fear or concern, it’s necessary to know which insects ARE truly the predators or defenders and may pose a threat to you, and which are not. At any rate, they are all interesting to look at. 

I WILL make an attempt to ID these insects better for you soon. Again, if you have information on them, please add it below, and I’ll update captions accordingly. 

Thanks,

Rich

This column also appears regularly in Mr. Wolfert's blog, Nature Notes...a Lifelong Journey.

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