Marsh Crane Fly
Tipula oleracea
This record describes Tipula oleracea (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae 13 segments; space between the eyes on ventral surface of the head narrow; in females wings reach the tip of abdomen. The Crane Flies (Diptera:Tipulidae) of Pennsylvania Non native. Introduced from Europe before 1955
Wikipedia reference for Tipula oleracea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipula_oleracea.
Classification
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on roots of grasses. Adults don't feed
Life History
Larvae develop through four instars before they pupate.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipula oleracea. 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 Marsh Crane Fly (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chen Young; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Ted Kropiewnicki , Jay Greenberg , Nick Block , Fyn Kynd
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsh Crane Fly
What is Marsh Crane Fly?
Marsh Crane Fly (Tipula oleracea) is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Marsh Crane Fly?
Adults: 2.5-3.0 cm long, pupae 3.0-3.5 cm, mature larvae 3-4 cm and eggs 1.0 x 0.5 mm.
How do you identify Marsh Crane Fly?
Antennae 13 segments; space between the eyes on ventral surface of the head narrow; in females wings reach the tip of abdomen. The Crane Flies (Diptera:Tipulidae) of Pennsylvania
What does Marsh Crane Fly eat?
The diet of the Marsh Crane Fly includes Larvae feed on roots of grasses. Adults don't feed.
What is the life cycle of a Marsh Crane Fly?
Larvae develop through four instars before they pupate.