Crane Flies

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Sensitive Benthos

Moderately Tolerant Benthos

Pollution Tolerant Benthos

Crane Fly larvae

Metamorphosis:

Complete (see our life cycle page for more information)

Larvae:

definitely "worm-like"; thick-skinned, and brownish-green to somewhat transparent or whitish; pointed or rounded at one end and a set of disk-like spiracles at the other; color may be stained greenish or brownish; length up to 3 inches.

Reproduction:

females deposit eggs on submerged vegetation or other debris.

Adults:

best described as "giant mosquitoes" and possess long legs and plump bodies, but are harmless.

Food:

mostly plants and plant debris; some are predaceous.

Scientific Name:

Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Tipulidae

Indicator Role:

Indicates moderately clean water; seldomly found in polluted waters.

Information Source:

McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.

Other Links:

Cranefly larva terminal segment

Crane Flies (Tipulidae) - Aquatic Insect Interactive Verification Program - Chironomidae Research Group, University of Minnesota
Crane Flies in The Stream Study (University of Virginia)
Crane Flies of Pennsylvania
Tipulidae in Freshwater Benthic Ecology and Aquatic Entomology Homepage – S.M. Mandaville from the Soil & Water Conservation Society of MetroHalifax

For more pictures, see our photo library on true flies.

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