Family: Ptychopteridae, Phantom Crane Flies view all from this family

Description 3/8-1/2" (99-13 mm). Long, thin. Black. Legs delicate, long with white bands, especially on swollen tarsi, which are concave below. Wings clear, black veins.

Food Adult eats little or nothing. Larva feeds on organic matter.

Life Cycle Eggs are deposited singly or in small clusters at the edge of fresh water. Larvae scavenge in shallow water, breathing air through a snorkel-like tube at tip of abdomen. Fully grown larvae pupate in moist soil. Adults are found May-September.

Habitat Moist woods and stream margins.

Range Eastern United States and Canada.

Discussion The Phantom Crane Fly soars slowly through the air with its legs extended. The swollen tarsi catch air currents, helping it stay aloft. When it flies into shade, only the white leg bands are visible, and the insect seems to appear and disappear like a phantom.