Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
European Crane Fly

European Crane Fly

Tipula paludosa

A species of Tipula, Also known as Common European Crane Fly, Common crane fly

European Crane Fly is a species of cranefly found in the colder northern areas of the world. They are a common pest for farmers, as they inhibit the establishment of cereal crops and grasses. The european Crane Fly is typically born, mates, and lays eggs all in or near the place it hatches, which enables the flies to colonize an area rapidly.

General Info About European Crane Fly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of European Crane Fly
Colors
Brown
Bronze
Habitat
garden; pasture; grassland; under the turf
Adult Food Sources
None (Adults do not feed and rely on energy stored from the younger stage)
Larva Food Source
Plant roots, organic matter, decaying vegetation, seedlings, turf grass
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Distribution Area of European Crane Fly
Europe, North America
Rectangle
Life Cycle of European Crane Fly
Egg After oviposition, the eggs of european Crane Fly are typically elongated, laid in moist soil or plants. These eggs are opaque and exhibit minimal distinguishable external features such as eyes or appendages.
Larva The larva of european Crane Fly, commonly known as leatherjackets, have a cylindrical body, lack true legs, and are generally grayish to greenish-brown. They focus on feeding and growth, molting several times before pupation.
Pupal In the pupal stage, european Crane Fly is immobile and encased within a protective cocoon. The pupa undergoes significant internal transformation, developing adult features like wings and legs within the cocoon.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult european Crane Fly has long legs, a slender body, and one pair of wings. The body coloration is often a muted brown, with the insect now capable of flight and reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of European Crane Fly Larvae
Aves (birds), araneae (spiders), insectivorous mammals (shrews, moles), amphibia (frogs and toads)
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of European Crane Fly
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Flies
Icon allow
Genus
Tipula
Icon allow
Tips for Finding European Crane Fly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of European Crane Fly
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of European Crane Fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of european Crane Fly are typically laid in wet soil or decaying vegetation. The larvae, known as leatherjackets, are found beneath the soil surface where they feed on roots and decaying plant matter. To search for the larvae, one must dig into the soil, specifically in lawns, pastures, and along the edges of ponds or streams. The pupae of european Crane Fly reside in the soil, requiring further excavation close to the areas inhabited by the larvae. Adults are commonly found in meadows, fields, and near bodies of water, especially during twilight when they are most active. Searching for adult european Crane Fly involves exploring these habitats, with particular attention to vegetation near moisture sources.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe European Crane Fly
The most suitable time to find european Crane Fly is typically during their active periods of the day or their specific mating season if trying to locate adults.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe European Crane Fly
Mild to warm, humid weather with little wind is typically suitable for finding european Crane Fly, as these conditions are conducive to their activity and lifecycle habits.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find European Crane Fly at Different Life Stages
Larva European Crane Fly larvae are commonly found in moist soil rich in organic matter. To find them, one can search in garden areas, especially where decaying vegetation is present, by carefully sifting through the top layer of soil.
Pupal During the pupa stage, european Crane Fly are often in the soil or just on the surface. They may be found by looking under fallen leaves or debris in damp areas.
Adult European Crane Fly adults are generally found in grassy or moist environments. They are most active at dusk. Searching near sources of light after dark or using light traps can attract adults.
Are European Crane Fly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of European Crane Fly
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of european Crane Fly can cause mild to severe damage to grass, cereals, and vegetables, by feeding on roots and stems. Infestation signs include yellowing and wilting of plants. Severe cases may lead to plant death, affecting crop yields and quality, potentially resulting in economic losses for farmers.

More Effects of European Crane Fly

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to European Crane Fly
Phoroctenia vittata
Phoroctenia vittata

Phoroctenia vittata stands out for its extraordinary ability to camouflage even within brightly colored surroundings. It interacts with its environment in a captivating way, playing a pivotal role in its ecosystem by preying mainly on aphids, keeping the population in check. Uniquely, it displays a fascinating defensive behavior, releasing an unpleasant scent when threatened. Situated in the top tiers of food chains, this species regulates populations of pests. Phoroctenia vittata's existence, hence, is vital to maintaining ecological balance.

Read More
Arrow
Prionocera turcica
Prionocera turcica

Prionocera turcica is a species of fly in the family Tipulidae. It is found in the Palearctic .

Read More
Arrow
Giant sabre comb horn cranefly
Giant sabre comb horn cranefly

Adorning a sleek, dark-toned body, giant sabre comb horn cranefly flaunts wings that shimmer with a subtle iridescence when caught by the light. Its lifecycle includes an aquatic larval phase, which eventually transforms into a winged adult, capable of delicate yet determined flight. This species, typically preferring damp environments, plays a crucial ecological role through both its larval and adult stages, contributing significantly to the detrital decomposition process and serving as a prey item for various predators.

Read More
Arrow
Tanyptera dorsalis
Tanyptera dorsalis

The Antlered Crane Fly is notable for its bright black and yellow colors, which are thought to offer it defense from predators due to its similar appearance to wasps. This species can be differentiated from other crane flies by the unusual twig-like appearance of the male, which is a special adaptation that allows further defense from predators in this insect's native forest habitat.

Read More
Arrow
Antlered crane fly
Antlered crane fly

Adorning a slender body with elongated legs, antlered crane fly makes a striking figure as it navigates its environment. Its wings beat swiftly, allowing for adept flight abilities, while it feeds primarily on smaller insects, showcasing a predatory edge from a young age. With each transformation from larva to adult, its roles in the ecosystem shift, reflecting a dynamic life cycle intrinsic to its ecological niche.

Read More
Arrow
Giant Western Crane Fly
Giant Western Crane Fly

The giant Western Crane Fly (Holorusia hespera) is an insect that looks like an enormous mosquito. Thankfully, they have no interest in human blood. Instead, they only eat plant debris in their larval stages. They do not eat as adults. It has a built-in gyroscope in the form of club-like structures called halteres that help them fly.

Read More
Arrow
Krhenschnaken
Krhenschnaken

Nephrotoma crocata is a species of cranefly found in most of Europe and northern Russia. The subspecies N. c. luteata is found in southwest France, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.

Read More
Arrow
Nephrotoma virgata
Nephrotoma virgata

Nephrotoma virgata's uniqueness lies in its vibrational communication, achieved by twitching their abdomen to signal others of their species. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem as primary consumers, feeding extensively on grass and contributing to the nutrient cycle. In turn, their larval stage feeds voraciously on decaying plants, helping speed up decomposition and fostering soil health. Nephrotoma virgata also double as prey for birds and small mammals, sustaining biodiversity within their habitat.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow