Phantom-crane-fly
Guides
Bittacomorpha clavipes
Eastern Phantom Crane Fly, Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha clavipes, the eastern phantom crane fly, is a distinctive fly in the family Ptychopteridae. Adults are small-bodied with exceptionally long, delicate black legs marked with white sheaths near the tips. The species is known for its unique flight behavior, using wind currents rather than wing beats for transportation, with legs spread to create air resistance. It inhabits shaded, moist environments near wetlands across eastern North America.
Bittacomorpha occidentalis
Western Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha occidentalis is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. This dipteran belongs to a group known for their distinctive hovering flight behavior and elongated legs. The species was described by Aldrich in 1895. Like other members of the genus Bittacomorpha, adults are characterized by their striking black-and-white banded legs and unique flight pattern where they appear to drift with legs extended. The larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, typical for the family.
Bittacomorphella jonesi
pygmy phantom crane fly
Bittacomorphella jonesi is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. It is commonly known as the pygmy phantom crane fly. The species was described by Johnson in 1905. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive flight behavior and morphology among Diptera.