Crane-flies
Guides
Dactylolabis
Dactylolabis is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, distinguished by its placement in the monotypic subfamily Dactylolabinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across several subgenera. At least some species are known to be madicolous, inhabiting thin water films on rock surfaces in seepage areas. The genus was established by Osten Sacken in 1860.
Dicranota
Dicranota is a genus of crane flies (Diptera: Pediciidae) established by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus contains multiple subgenera, including Eudicranota and Rhaphidolabis. Species occur across the Northern Hemisphere, with documented records from Europe, Korea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Larvae are aquatic and predatory, inhabiting cold, clean streams and springs.
Hexatomini
Hexatomini is a tribe of limoniid crane flies (family Limoniidae) comprising approximately 16 genera and at least 250 described species. The tribe includes several well-known genera such as Hexatoma, Limnophila, and Elephantomyia. Members are generally small to medium-sized crane flies distinguished from related tribes by specific wing venation patterns and genitalia structures. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across multiple continents.
Limoniidae
Limoniid Crane Flies, Limoniidae, Short-palped Crane Flies
Limoniidae is the largest family of crane flies, comprising over 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Members are distinguished from other crane flies primarily by their wing posture at rest: wings are typically held folded along the body rather than perpendicular to it. The family includes notable wingless snow flies in the genus Chionea, which are active in winter. Limoniids are generally smaller than other crane flies and occupy diverse habitats worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate the family is paraphyletic, with some limoniids more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.
Molophilus
Molophilus is a large genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, first described by John Curtis in 1833. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with recognized subgeneric divisions including Austromolophilus, Eumolophilus, Molophilus, and others. Species-level biology has been documented for some members, including studies of larval ecology and adult biology in M. ater.
Pediciidae
Hairy-eyed Crane Flies
Pediciidae, commonly known as hairy-eyed crane flies, is a family of about 500 species worldwide. They are medium-sized to large flies (5–35 mm) closely related to true crane flies (Tipulidae). The family is distinguished by pubescent compound eyes with short erect hairs between the facets, a trait absent in related families. They occupy diverse habitats but are particularly associated with clean, cold aquatic environments. The family was established as a separate lineage from Tipulidae based on morphological and molecular evidence, representing one of two primary lineages within the superfamily Tipuloidea.
Tanyderidae
Primitive crane flies
Tanyderidae, commonly called primitive crane flies, are a small family of long, delicate nematoceran flies with about 40 extant species. They represent a relict lineage within Diptera, retaining primitive wing venation including five complete branches of the radial vein. Adults are recognized by their spotted or mottled wings and are typically found near streams, often resting on vegetation or hanging beneath bridges. Larvae inhabit wet, decaying wood or sandy and gravelly stream margins. The family has an extensive fossil record dating to the Late Triassic, with numerous extinct genera known from amber deposits.
Tipulidae
Large Crane Flies, Crane Flies
Tipulidae is a large family of true flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 4,200 described species in more than 30 genera. Members are commonly known as crane flies or large crane flies, characterized by their elongated bodies and exceptionally long, slender legs. Adults are typically short-lived and often do not feed; their primary purpose is reproduction. Larvae occupy diverse moist habitats including soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and aquatic environments, where most feed on decaying organic matter. The family has a fossil record extending to the Late Jurassic.
DipteraNematoceracrane-fliesdecomposerssaprophagousshort-lived-adultsmating-swarmsturfgrass-pestsharmless-to-humansworldwide-distributionLate-Jurassic-fossilsCharles-Paul-Alexandermaxillary-palps13-antennal-segmentsLimoniidaePediciidaemosquito-hawk-misnomerdaddy-longlegs-confusionleatherjacketsaquatic-larvaeterrestrial-larvaespring-emergencelight-attractionwingless-snow-crane-flies-in-genus-Chionea-(now-Limoniidae)Tipulomorpha
crane flies, crane flies and allies
Tipulomorpha is an infraorder of Nematocera containing crane flies and allied families, representing one of the largest and most diverse groups of true flies. The infraorder comprises five extant families: Tipulidae (large crane flies), Limoniidae (limoniid crane flies), Pediciidae (hairy-eyed crane flies), Cylindrotomidae (long-bodied crane flies), and Trichoceridae (winter crane flies). With approximately 15,000 described species in the family Tipulidae alone, this group exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, particularly in larval forms. Adults are characterized by elongated bodies, extremely long legs, and single pair of membranous wings. Larval habitats range from aquatic environments to terrestrial soils, decaying wood, and even snow-covered surfaces in specialized groups.
Trichoceridae
winter crane flies, winter gnats
Trichoceridae, commonly known as winter crane flies or winter gnats, is a small family of delicate, long-legged flies in the order Diptera. Adults are active primarily during cold seasons, including fall, winter, and early spring, with some species observed in snow. They are distinguished from other crane fly families by the presence of three ocelli (simple eyes) on the crown of the head. The family contains approximately 160 described species worldwide, with most diversity concentrated in non-tropical, Holarctic regions. Larvae inhabit moist terrestrial environments where they feed on decaying organic matter.
Trioxina
Trioxina is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae. These insects are characterized by their elongated bodies and long, slender legs typical of the group. The genus is distinguished by specific wing venation patterns and genitalic structures. Species within Trioxina are generally small to medium-sized limoniid crane flies.