Giant Crane Fly
Tipula abdominalis
This record describes Tipula abdominalis (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large size coupled with black velvety patches on thorax is diagnostic feature for subgenus Nippotipula . Tipula abdominalis has a spot at the end of vein R1+2 and pale rings near tips of femora. Wing venation:
Wikipedia reference for Tipula abdominalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipula_abdominalis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults often attracted to light
Geographic Range
eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from May to October
Diet and Behavior
Life History
two generations per year (usually May/June and September/October)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipula abdominalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Giant Crane Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Bbarnd , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Crane Fly
What is Giant Crane Fly?
Giant Crane Fly (Tipula abdominalis) is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Giant Crane Fly?
female max. body length at least 45 mm; max. wing length at least 30 mm; max. legspan (front to back) at least 115 mm male is usually smaller
How do you identify Giant Crane Fly?
Large size coupled with black velvety patches on thorax is diagnostic feature for subgenus Nippotipula . Tipula abdominalis has a spot at the end of vein R1+2 and pale rings near tips of femora. Wing venation:
Where is Giant Crane Fly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults often attracted to light |
| Range | eastern North America |
When is Giant Crane Fly active?
Giant Crane Fly: seasonal activity - adults fly from May to October.
What is the life cycle of a Giant Crane Fly?
two generations per year (usually May/June and September/October)