The Crane Fly
The Crane Fly is a commonly sighted insect that belongs to the family Tipulidae. These bugs are known for their long legs, slender bodies, and wings that span up to two inches. They're also commonly referred to as Daddy Long Legs. Although they appear quite similar to mosquitoes, they're harmless, and they don't suck blood like their counterparts. In fact, the adult Crane Fly doesn't even have a functional mouth!
The Life Cycle of a Crane Fly
Just like their appearance, the life cycle of the Crane Fly is also quite distinct. They come in four different stages- eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. After fertilization, the female Crane Fly lays her eggs on moist soil or near water beds. Each female can lay up to four batches of eggs, with each batch carrying approximately 150 to 500 eggs! Over a period of several days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which are worm-like creatures.
The Larval Stage
The larvae of Crane Flies have long, tube-like bodies that can grow up to an inch in length and are dark brown in color. They're also commonly known as leatherjackets due to their tough outer skin. The larvae feed on decomposing organic matter such as leaves, grass, and insect larvae, and the process can take up to two years! That's a pretty long time, considering the fact that the adult Crane Fly lives for only a few weeks.
Larvae Pupation
After the lengthy feeding process, larva enters the pupation stage. In this stage, they transform into the adult Crane Fly form in a cocoon that they weave themselves. This process can take up to two or three weeks depending on temperature and other environmental factors. Once the transformation is complete, the adult Crane Fly comes out of the cocoon. They have long legs and a harder outer casing, and they're ready to fly!
The Journey of an Adult Crane Fly
The adult Crane Fly has two main objectives after they emerge from their cocoon- find a partner and breed. They fly around in search of a mate and can do so for up to three weeks of their short lives. Breeding occurs around dusk and dawn, and the adult Crane Fly dies shortly after. The cycle starts all over again when the eggs that were laid hatch and the process is repeated.
Conclusion
Although a Crane fly may seem like a nuisance to some, they play an essential role in the ecosystem. The larvae clean up dead animal matter and turn it into soil, while the adult Crane Fly is an essential food source for birds and bats. Knowing about the life cycle of a Crane Fly and their contribution to the ecosystem can lead to greater appreciation for these commonly sighted bugs.
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