Saturday, March 17, 2012

Crane fly outbreak

More crane flies to come!

Do not be afraid. No need to call the pest control folks. Don't even bother with a fly swatter. Crane flies–those gigantic-looking mosquito things that are hoovering around right now–are HARMLESS. Honest!

Last year, I wrote a Wild Thing feature on the insect for Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. What's the coolest thing about a crane fly? When it flies fly, a knobby filament behind each wing vibrates to keep it balanced and steady. Get up close, and you can spot one! Many flies, including houseflies, have a pair of halteres instead of hind wings. 

Sorry about the shadows, but you CAN see the pair of halteres right below the wings in this photo.


1 comment:

Steph@RamblingWren said...

Thank you for the ID. Now this critter has an actually name besides, "Large daddy long legged bug" :)

Post a Comment