Tipula

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Tipulomorpha
Family: Tipulidae
Subfamily: Tipulinae
Genus: Tipula

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tipula: /ˈtɪpjʊlə/

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

Images

Giant Crane Fly Male Genitalia (29480191705) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Giant Crane Fly - Tipula ultima, Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Tipula abdominalis 95760088 by Tommy. Used under a CC0 license.

Giant Crane Fly Male Genitalia (29480190305) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Large Crane Fly - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Tipula abdominalis 30039258 by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Tipula is a very large insect genus in the fly family Tipulidae, known as crane flies. This genus contains over 2,000 species and is characterized by their long bodies and legs, usually brown coloration, and feeding on nectar.

Physical Characteristics

Typically 10-25 mm in body length with long bodies and legs. Adults generally have a body length of 15-20 mm. They are usually brown with clear or brownish wings. Technical description includes a discal cell present; M3 arises from M4; all tibiae are spurred; antennae with whorls of long hairs; body color usually grey, brown, or dull yellow, rarely black; praescutal stripes usually dull, rarely slightly shining.

Identification Tips

Technical characters needed for identification; a few species are distinctively marked. Prominent features include long legs, long bodies, and specific wing cell formations.

Habitat

Found throughout the world, with a significant presence in the Holarctic region.

Distribution

Over 2,000 species located worldwide, with approximately 60% of species in the Holarctic region.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details not provided, but they are active throughout the year. Maggots are sometimes referred to as 'leather jackets' due to their tough skin.

Ecosystem Role

Tipula species can be part of the ecosystem as pollinators and as a food source for other animals during various life stages.

Health Concerns

Species may be affected by fungal diseases, such as Zoophthora porteri found in Tennessee, USA.

Similar Taxa

Mosquitoes

Misconceptions

Often confused with large mosquitoes due to their appearance, but they are not harmful and do not bite.