Crane flies

Definition

Members of the dipteran superfamily Tipuloidea, comprising the families Cylindrotomidae, Limoniidae, Pediciidae, and Tipulidae. These true crane flies are characterized by greatly elongated legs, a slender cylindrical body, and reduced wing venation, with adults typically flying weakly and larvae inhabiting moist soil, decaying wood, or aquatic sediments. The common name is sometimes misapplied to superficially similar but unrelated groups such as the phantom crane flies (Ptychopteridae), primitive crane flies (Tanyderidae), and winter crane flies (Trichoceridae), the last of which belong to the separate superfamily Trichoceroidea within Tipulomorpha.

Etymology

From the resemblance of the insect's outstretched legs to the long legs of a crane bird.

Example

Limoniidae, the largest family of crane flies, includes species with shortened wings that cannot fly and are restricted to riparian habitats where they walk on vegetation.

Synonyms

• tipuloids
• daddy longlegs (informal, regional)

Related Terms

• Diptera
• Tipulidae
• Limoniidae
• Trichoceridae
• Phantom crane flies
• Primitive crane flies
• Winter crane flies
• Tipulomorpha

Usage Notes

In North American vernacular, 'daddy longlegs' is often applied to crane flies, though this name properly refers to harvestmen (Opiliones) in most other contexts. Specialists restrict 'crane fly' to Tipuloidea, explicitly excluding Trichoceridae despite their common name 'winter crane flies'. The superfamily Tipuloidea contains roughly 15,000 described species, with Limoniidae accounting for the majority of diversity; Tipulidae sensu stricto is smaller and more homogeneous.