Wicked In Winter - European Crane Fly

by KJ Swan

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Wicked In Winter - European Crane Fly

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KJ Swan

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This harmless, slow-flying insect is often mistaken as dangerous. But are they? Well, that depends on your point of view.

Adult crane flies are often seen around porches or congregating on a window screen. They are so harmless, they don’t even have mouthparts. However, their larvae will eat lawns, young agricultural crops, plus a few ornamentals. Animals, like skunks and starlings also damage the turf looking for them making a small patch of damage much bigger. As a consequence, war has been declared on the “leatherjacket” larva.

The European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa) is an usual insect in that causes most of its damage in late winter and early spring. It’s an invasive import that naturalized in Canada and quickly spread to the United States.

There are many common names for Tipula paludosa including Western European Crane Fly, Marsh Crane Fly, Jenny Longlegs, Hobgoblins Little Needle, and Gollywhoppers. The "not-even-capable-of-eating" adult crane fly has also been misnamed Mosquito hawk or Skeeter-eater.

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December 17th, 2023

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