Crane flies

Despite their common nickname 'mosquito hawk', members of the Tipulidae family are neither mosquitoes nor raptors. In fact, these long-legged insects, do not prey on mosquitoes but are often mistakenly credited with controlling mosquito populations. The large, winged adults are primarily consumers of nectar or, interestingly, do not feed at all during their short lives, which typically span just a few days. Their larval stage, however, plays a critical role in decomposition, breaking down plant matter and contributing significantly to soil health. The misconception of their predatory nature likely stems from their superficial resemblance to mosquitoes, setting a classic case of mistaken identity.