Crane flies, often mistaken for oversized mosquitoes, are common insects recognized by their slender bodies and conspicuously long, delicate legs. They possess a distinct V-shaped suture on the back of their thorax. These insects have acquired various informal names, such as “mosquito hawks,” “skeeter-eaters,” and even “daddy longlegs,” which contribute to common misunderstandings about their nature.
What Adult Crane Flies Eat
Adult crane flies typically have a very brief lifespan, often lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks, with their primary biological function being reproduction. Many species do not consume any solid food during this adult stage, as they lack functional mouthparts for biting or chewing. For the species that do feed, their diet is limited to liquids such as nectar from flowers, water, pollen, or other sugary substances.
Adult crane flies play a minor role in pollination, particularly when consuming nectar. Despite their limited dietary intake, they are an important part of the food web, serving as a food source for a variety of animals. Predators include bats, birds, lizards, spiders, and other predatory insects, highlighting their ecological contribution.
What Crane Fly Larvae Eat
The larval stage of the crane fly, commonly known as “leatherjackets,” exhibits a significantly different feeding behavior than the adults. These larvae are characterized by their tough, leathery skin and a cylindrical, worm-like appearance. They primarily reside in moist soil, decaying wood, and aquatic environments, where they actively feed.
Leatherjackets consume a wide array of organic matter, including decaying plant material, fungi, and algae. A notable aspect of their diet is roots, especially those of grasses, turf, and various cultivated plants and seedlings. This feeding habit can lead to visible damage in lawns and gardens, appearing as thinning turf or brown patches, particularly from species like the European crane fly.
While most leatherjackets are herbivorous or detritivorous, some rare species of crane fly larvae are predatory. These specific carnivorous larvae may feed on small aquatic insects or invertebrates, including, in some instances, mosquito larvae. However, this predatory behavior is not characteristic of all crane fly larvae and does not apply to the adult stage.
Common Misconceptions About Their Diet
One of the most widespread misconceptions about crane flies is the belief that they consume mosquitoes. This myth often arises from their mosquito-like appearance and their popular, but inaccurate, nicknames such as “mosquito hawk” or “skeeter-eater.” In reality, adult crane flies are anatomically incapable of preying on mosquitoes or other insects, as their mouthparts are not designed for biting or chewing.
Crane flies are harmless to humans; they do not bite or sting and pose no threat of transmitting diseases.