The Wildlife of
Druridge Pools

 
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Flies - The Crane Fly

First seen on Saturday 22nd May 2021 at Druridge Pools

The Crane fly is one of the largest of the fly species, and is easily identified by its incredibly long legs. For this reason it is known by children as a daddy longlegs (as is the harvestman spider). There are quite a few species, and you can get more exotic members such as the tiger crane fly (which has yellow and black markings). This one is actually called Tipula varipennis and is identified by the pattern of stripes on its neck and the patterns of wing spots. Adult Crane Flies do not really feed, other than sometimes lapping nectar from flowers.


 

The one below has no real distinguishing features and can be labeled a "Common" Cranefly, although in reality there are about 300 different species of Cranefly, and the differences can be very subtle!


 

The one below is called Tipula vernalis and is identified by the patterns of wing spots, and the more obvious bright green eyes.