Kathryn Palumbo

The crane fly is a type of fly. It is an insect.

Crane flies resemble and are often mistaken for very large mosquitoes, but unlike mosquitoes, crane flies do not bite or sting people or animals.

The female crane fly has a much larger and longer abdomen than the male crane fly. At the end of the female abdomen is a severe point, which gives the appearance of a stinger. Crane flies, however, cannot and do not sting.

You will see a photo of two crane flies mating. My son was with me when we saw them. They were on the grass and we nearly stepped on them. He thought it was inappropriate that I take their picture – as a parent, I’m thrilled he as a conscience! What are the chances to come across a pair of crane flies mating? I was amazed.

Unfortunately, I only had my iPhone 4S to take this photograph and it is somewhat limited in the macro department.

An interesting fact to learn about this gentle insect is that once they become adults, most adult crane flies feed on nectar or nothing at all, and in lieu of eating they mate, then die.

So next time you see a crane fly, don’t panic. They are harmless and have quite poor flying skills. They are also very delicate, in the case you need to relocate one outside.

About these photographs:

Taken with a Nikon D7000 and iPhone 4S.