Other Common Names

Bugsy, Mosquito Hawks, Leatherjackets

Scientific Names

Tipula paludosa (European) T. oleraceae (marsh)

Family

DIPTERA

Description

Minnesota has many native species of crane fly. These insect species are not only common but are easily recognizable as adults. Crane flies are two-winged flies that are often mistaken for giant mosquitoes. Despite their somewhat scary appearance, they don’t bite, suck blood, or carry diseases. The adults are not only harmless, but they are an important food source for birds and other animals. The larvae of many crane flies are aquatic and their presence is an indicator of good water quality. They can be an important food for fish. Other crane flies are terrestrial decomposers and help break down decaying organic matter.

Two exotic species of crane fly, the European Crane Fly, Tipula (T.) paludosa and the Marsh Crane Fly, T. oleraceae have been introduced and have become established in the northwestern U.S., as well as British Columbia and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

History

Native to central and southern Europe, it is not certain, how or when, either species first introduced or became established in North America. A likely source of introduction for this species would be movement with soil media. These crane fly’s larvae are terrestrial root feeders and are serious turf and seedling nursery pests. They also have the potential to affect cereal and other crops, as they do in Europe. Neither have been found in Minnesota.

Habitat

In Washington and Oregon, crane fly larvae over-winter in lawns. Larger larvae can be found in the top three inches (3") of turf in spring. Infested grass may appear yellow or have dead spots. Adults emerge in late summer and early fall. As adults emerge, the leathery, shiny pupal cases (leatherjackets) are an indicator of where crane fly larvae were living and where the next eggs are most likely to hatch. The adults mate almost immediately after they emerge. The females lay most of their eggs before they make their first flights.

Have you seen this pest?

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is presently conducting surveys for these crane fly species using black light traps. It is also hoped that private homeowners and the lawn care industry may also be a source of information for locating this pest. We are only seeking information on possible larva finds at this time.

Photo credits: Crane fly, larvae and pupal shell photos courtesy Oregon State University Extension; Lawn damage photo courtesy Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1998. Reproduced with permission.

If you suspect you’ve seen this pest in a lawn, please call the:

Arrest The Pest Hotline.... 651-201-6684
Toll Free.... 888-545-6684
Pest Detection & Response Unit
Plant Protection Division