A Crane-fly is an insect in the family Tipulidae. Adults are very slender, long-legged flies that may vary in length from 2–60 millimetres.
In the United Kingdom this species is usually referred to as daddy longlegs. The larva of the European Crane Fly is commonly known as a leather-jacket. These larvae can cause damage to lawns by feeding on the roots of grass plants.
At least 4,250 species of crane flies have been described. This makes Tipulidae one of the largest families of Diptera (although smaller than Limoniidae one of the other families of Crane-flies).
This individual was found at Gleann an Fhiodh, on 9th July 2012 and is one of our largest Crane-flies, recognisable by the brown wings with central dark spot.
Photo by Carl Farmer
Camera : Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150