Common European Crane Fly
Tipula paludosa
This record describes Tipula paludosa (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae 14 segments; space between the eyes on ventral surface of the head wide; in females wings do not reach the tip of abdomen. The Crane Flies (Diptera:Tipulidae) of Pennsylvania Non native. Introduced from Europe before 1955
Wikipedia reference for Tipula paludosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipula_paludosa.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. N. Amer. and PNW in our area - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on the roots of grasses. Adults don't feed
Life History
One generation per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tipula paludosa Meigen, 1830
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipula paludosa. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common European Crane Fly
What is Common European Crane Fly?
Common European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa) is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Common European Crane Fly?
Mature larvae: 1 to 1-1/2 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm) long. Adults: 2.5-3.0 cm long
How do you identify Common European Crane Fly?
Antennae 14 segments; space between the eyes on ventral surface of the head wide; in females wings do not reach the tip of abdomen. The Crane Flies (Diptera:Tipulidae) of Pennsylvania
Where is Common European Crane Fly found?
Range: e. N. Amer. and PNW in our area - Map
What does Common European Crane Fly eat?
The diet of the Common European Crane Fly includes Larvae feed on the roots of grasses. Adults don't feed.
What is the life cycle of a Common European Crane Fly?
One generation per year