Crane Flies

Tipulomorpha

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Tipulomorpha

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tipulomorpha: /tɪˌpjuləˈmɔrfə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Gnophomyia tristissima 402794861 by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Crane Fly - Gnophomyia tristissima, Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton, Virginia, July 1, 2023 (53206884404) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Erioptera graphica P1290925a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Gnophomyia tristissima by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

WillistonPediciaEtSeq by Williston. Used under a Public domain license.

Cladura flavogerruginea by Cody Hough. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

The infraorder Tipulomorpha consists of crane flies and related families, comprising a large and diverse group of insects found in various habitats worldwide. They are an important component of ecosystems, particularly as decomposers and a food source for other organisms.

Physical Characteristics

Adult crane flies are characterized by long legs and a slender body. They have two complete anal veins and a V-shaped suture on the thorax, which distinguishes them from other dipteran families.

Identification Tips

Look for the long, slender bodies and legs, along with the two complete anal veins and the V-shaped suture in the thorax to identify crane flies.

Habitat

Crane flies can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Aquatic larvae are often found in fresh water bodies such as ponds and streams.

Distribution

Crane flies are widely distributed, with over 1500 species in North America alone and more than 15,700 species estimated worldwide, including many undescribed species.

Diet

Adults typically feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae are detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter in soil or aquatic environments.

Life Cycle

Crane flies undergo a complete metamorphosis with life stages including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Reproduction

Crane flies reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs in suitable environments for larval development.

Ecosystem Role

Crane flies play an important role in ecosystems as decomposers and as a food source for various predators, including birds and amphibians.

Collecting Methods

Netting adult crane flies in suitable habitats.
Collecting larvae from aquatic environments using a dip net.

Preservation Methods

Pinning adult specimens with careful attention to avoiding leg damage.
Preserving larvae in 70% ethanol.

Evolution

The Tipulomorpha represents a diverse and ancient lineage within the Nematocera, with a significant number of fossil records dating back to the Upper Triassic.

Similar Taxa

Tipuloidea (typical crane flies)
Cylindrotomidae (long-bodied crane flies)
Pediciidae (hairy-eyed crane flies)
Limoniidae (limoniid crane flies)
Tipulidae (large crane flies)
Trichoceroidea (winter crane flies)

Misconceptions

Crane flies are often mistakenly referred to as 'mosquito hawks' due to their size and appearance, but they do not prey on mosquitoes and are harmless to humans.