Crane Fly vs Mosquito
Crane Flies and mosquitoes are easy to mix up at a glance, but a few details separate them quickly. Here is how to tell which one you found and what, if anything, you should do about it.
Quick answer
Check for this first. A crane fly has extremely long, thin legs that detach easily, while a mosquito has long, needle-like mouthpart (proboscis).
Side-by-side comparison
| Crane Fly | Mosquito | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Flies & Mosquitoes | Flies & Mosquitoes |
| Scientific name | Tipula spp. | Culicidae (e.g. Aedes albopictus) |
| Size | 10–35 mm | 3–6 mm |
| Colors | Tan, Brown and Gray | Black, White and Gray |
| Legs | 6 legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes | Yes |
| Bites or stings | No | Bites |
| Risk | Harmless | Health risk |
| Key feature | Extremely long, thin legs that detach easily | Long, needle-like mouthpart (proboscis) |
Key differences
- Size: Crane Flies are larger, reaching 35 mm, while mosquitoes top out around 6 mm.
- Color: Crane Flies are tan, brown and gray; mosquitoes are black, white and gray.
- Risk: the crane fly poses no real threat to people, pets or property, while the mosquito can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease.
- Where found: look for crane flies in lawns and grass and indoors; mosquitoes turn up in yards and on patios, near water and in lawns and grass.
- Signature feature: Crane Flies: extremely long, thin legs that detach easily. Mosquitoes: long, needle-like mouthpart (proboscis).
How to identify crane flies
A huge, fragile, long-legged fly often mistaken for a giant mosquito. Adults barely feed, and the larvae, called leatherjackets, eat grass roots.
- Extremely long, thin legs that detach easily
- Slender body with narrow wings held out to the side
- Clumsy flight, often bumping along walls
How to identify mosquitoes
A small, slender fly whose females bite to take blood for egg production. The Asian tiger mosquito is black with white stripes and bites aggressively during the day.
- Long, needle-like mouthpart (proboscis)
- Scales along the wing veins and a slender body
- Asian tiger species has black-and-white striped legs
Which one is more dangerous?
The mosquito carries more risk. Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Crane flies cannot bite or sting and do not eat mosquitoes, despite the nickname mosquito hawk. Mosquito bites itch and, depending on the region, can transmit West Nile, dengue and other viruses.
Where and when you'll see each
Crane Flies turn up in lawns and grass and indoors, mostly in spring and fall. Mosquitoes turn up in yards and on patios, near water and in lawns and grass, mostly in spring, summer and fall.
Because they share habitat, you may find both in the same place, so check each individual.
What to do if you find one
Crane Flies: no control is needed. Crane flies cannot bite or sting and do not eat mosquitoes, despite the nickname mosquito hawk.
Mosquitoes: Dump standing water weekly from pots, gutters, tires and toys. Read the full removal guide for more.
Biology: flies & mosquitoes
Flies have only one pair of working wings; the second pair is reduced to small balancing knobs called halteres. They go through complete metamorphosis, and the larvae, called maggots, need moist organic material such as garbage, soil, drain film or standing water.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between crane flies and mosquitoes?
Size: Crane Flies are larger, reaching 35 mm, while mosquitoes top out around 6 mm.
Which is bigger, a crane fly or a mosquito?
Crane Fly: 10–35 mm. Mosquito: 3–6 mm.
Do crane flies or mosquitoes bite?
Crane Flies do not bite. Mosquitoes can bite.
Where are they usually found?
Crane Flies: in lawns and grass and indoors. Mosquitoes: in yards and on patios, near water and in lawns and grass.