Family: Tipulidae, Crane Flies view all from this family

Description 1-1 3/8" (25-35 mm), wingspan to 2 3/4" (70 mm). Large. Reddish brown or olive-green to orange with some white markings on sides and under thorax. Legs long. Wings clear. Larva, to 2 1/8" (55 mm), is dull brown with tough skin.

Food Adult does not eat. Larva scavenges on decaying plant matter.

Life Cycle Eggs are laid on wet mud near open water, into which larvae creep. Larvae pupate in unlined cells in mud near waterline.

Habitat Humid areas, edges of forests, and streams.

Range Southern California to British Columbia and Idaho.

Discussion This is the largest fly west of the Rocky Mountains. Adults easily lose legs and cannot regenerate them. The Giant Eastern Crane Fly (Pedicia albivitta), 3/4-1 1/8" (20-30 mm) with a wingspan to 3 1/8" (80 mm), has distinctly patterned broad brown bands on its wings.