Long and Gangly

Jun 2, 2011

The crane fly is as long-legged and slender as a runway model, but as gangly as a teenager.

The insect, from the family Tipulidae, is sometimes called daddy long-legs (not!) or a skeeter eater (not!). 

They don't eat mosquitoes and they don't bite. The adults sip nectar. Sometimes when you head out to the garden in the early morning, you'll find them resting on a plant--probably been there all night.

This one (below) was clutching salvia and waiting for a little warmth from the morning sun.


By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Author - Communications specialist

Attached Images:

Crane fly resting on salvia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Crane fly resting on salvia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)