Range Crane Fly

Tipula simplex

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tipula simplex: /ˈtɪ.pu.la ˈsɪm.pleks/

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Summary

Tipula simplex, known as the Range Crane Fly, can be characterized by its unique wing morphology, especially in the female. This species thrives in specific Californian habitats and has a life cycle that includes distinct stages of dormancy.

Physical Characteristics

The male has a wing length of 11-12 mm. The female is essentially wingless, with wings greatly reduced and subequal in length to the halteres.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their wing size, while females are identified by their absence of wings.

Habitat

Suitable habitat includes unirrigated pastures of the central valley of California, below the oak-woodland zone.

Distribution

Known distribution in California includes northern Santa Cruz County to Marin County and east to Sacramento County, with a discontinuous population in Yokohl Valley and reported occurrences in Oregon.

Diet

Crane fly larvae feed on decaying matter in the soil, cowpads at least one season old, and roots of range forage plants.

Life Cycle

Adults emerge in late winter or early spring. Copulation occurs almost immediately after emergence. Eggs are laid in the soil and enter a dormant period (diapause), which is broken by the onset of rain in fall, followed by a second dormancy (quiescence) before hatching after subsequent rains.

Reproduction

Copulation occurs shortly after emergence, lasting up to 24 hours. Eggs are laid in the soil within 3 days after mating.

Ecosystem Role

The larvae play a role in nutrient cycling by breaking down decaying organic matter in the soil.

Economic Impact

High concentrations of larvae can destroy forage, denude hills, and adversely affect watershed ecosystems, occurring infrequently (about once every 6 years in Tulare County).