Cedar Creek
Ecosystem Science Reserve

Insects of Cedar Creek

Order DIPTERA

Family TIPULIDAE

(Crane Flies)

(Table of Species)

The Crane Flies (1517 NA spp) have more described species than any other family of Diptera. Only the Tachinidae with many undescribed species is possibly larger. Alexander (19xx?) collected ca 100 species of Crane Flies from Evan's Old Field and vicinity in Livingston Co. Michigan. Little effort has been expended collecting Crane Flies at Cedar Creek. Perhaps 25 species have been collected, but serious collecting is likely to yield more than 100. Wing venation nomenclature differs in the Tipulidae, frustrating my attempts at identification. Most Tipulid larvae are semi-aquatic feeding on organic ooze, but a few are known to be predaceous or to feed on plant roots.  Three Subfamilies are recognized:  Tipulinae, Cylindrotominae, Limoniinae.  But until this family is more thoroughly collected at CCESR, I will just make mention of genera collected.  ID's must be considered tentative.

Three apparently terrestrial species collected with some frequency from CCESR old fields are Nephrotoma sp (LG), Symplecta sp (sm), and Goniomyia sp (slender wing). Eriocera sp is a small slender Tipulid frequently seen pumping up and down on the underside of foliage in woodlands. Pedicia spp are large species with attractive wing patterning routinely found on the sides of outbuildings. Chionea sp is a small dark wingless species occasionally seen crawling about the snow on warm winter days. Toxorhina sp has a long proboscis and is occasionally taken at flowers. Other genera collected include: Ctenophora (pectinate antennae), Liogma, Epiphragma, Limnophila, Longurio, Molophilus, Ormosia, Oropeza, Prionocera, Prolimnophila, Tipula, and Yamatotipula.

webmaster@cedarcreek.umn.edu Last updated May, 2000