Crane Fly Bug

by Jennie Breeze

Title

Crane Fly Bug

Artist

Jennie Breeze

Medium

Photograph - Original Img_0048

Description

Crane flies are so large that most people think they're giant mosquitoes. Crane flies don't bite or sting. In colloquial speech the crane fly is sometimes known as daddy longlegs, a term also used to describe opiliones or the family Pholcidae, both of which are arachnids. The larvae of crane flies are known commonly as leatherjackets. They are most diverse in the tropics, and are also common in northern latitudes and high elevations. The family name Tipulidae derives from the Latin tipula, meaning "water spider." Crane flies are not spiders but do appear somewhat spider-like with their extraordinarily long, slender legs. They range in size from tiny to large. The adult crane fly has a slender body and stilt-like legs that are deciduous, easily coming off the body. The wingspan is generally about 1.0 to 6.5 cm. The antennae have up to 39 segments. It is also characterized by a V-shaped suture on the back of the thorax and by its wing venation. The rostrum is long; in some species it is as long as the head and thorax together. They have a pair of conspicuous halteres just behind the wings. They look similar to antennae, but extend from the sides of the body. Halteres work like gyroscopes during flight, helping the crane fly stay on course. Adult crane flies have a single pair of membranous wings. They're typically unremarkable in color, though some bear spots or bands of brown or gray. Crane fly larvae can withdraw their heads into their thoracic segments. They're cylindrical in shape, and slightly tapered at the ends. They generally inhabit moist terrestrial environments or aquatic habitats, depending on the type.

Uploaded

April 10th, 2016

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