Crane Flies | macro

- - - OR - - -

Tipula varipennis

A moderately large species with a wingspan of about 3.5 cm. It has two noticeable dark spots on the leading edge of the wing.

Tipula Oleracea

This is possibly our most common cranefly with a brown front edge and a brown stigma to its wings. It also tends to be seen earlier in the year. As with all craneflies, the females, prior to egg laying will be plump (they can carry several hundred eggs) and have pointed abdomens - all the better to insert eggs into damp soil. The males tend to be slim with squared off or club shaped abdomens.

Tipula Pagana

Length 10 to 12 mm. The male has fairly clear wings. The female has very short reduced wings which are not capable of flight.