| Scientific name | Tipula spp. |
|---|---|
| Group | Flies & Mosquitoes |
| Size | 10–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in) |
| Colors | Tan, Brown and Gray |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Lawn or grass and Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Spring and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The crane fly is a large member of the flies & mosquitoes group. Only one pair of flying wings; the hind pair is reduced to tiny knobs. Check for these three features:
- Extremely long, thin legs that detach easily
- Slender body with narrow wings held out to the side
- Clumsy flight, often bumping along walls
About this bug
A huge, fragile, long-legged fly often mistaken for a giant mosquito. Adults barely feed, and the larvae, called leatherjackets, eat grass roots.
You'll usually find crane flies in lawns and grass and indoors. They are most active in spring and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Crane flies cannot bite or sting and do not eat mosquitoes, despite the nickname mosquito hawk.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see crane flies
Crane Flies are most active in spring and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: lawn or grass and indoors, anywhere.
About flies & mosquitoes
The crane fly is one of the 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.
Fly problems are almost always breeding-site problems. Finding and removing the moist material where larvae develop works far better than swatting adults.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Crane Flies are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Crane Flies are larger, reaching 35 mm, while mosquitoes top out around 6 mm.
Group: Crane Fly belongs to flies & mosquitoes, while harvestman belongs to ticks, mites & other arachnids. Only one pair of flying wings; the hind pair is reduced to tiny knobs.
Group: Crane Fly belongs to flies & mosquitoes, while cellar spider belongs to spiders. Only one pair of flying wings; the hind pair is reduced to tiny knobs.
Frequently asked questions
What does a crane fly look like?
Extremely long, thin legs that detach easily. Adults measure 10–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in).
Does the crane fly bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Crane flies cannot bite or sting and do not eat mosquitoes, despite the nickname mosquito hawk.
Where do crane flies live?
Crane Flies live in lawns and grass and indoors.
When are crane flies most active?
Mostly in spring and fall.