How Well Do You Know The Crane Fly?

SAN DIEGO, CA — Have you seen these insects? Many think they are giant mosquitoes or daddy longlegs with wings. These large bugs are often seen buzzing around light sources and flying erratically into walls, windows and each other. They are often called “mosquito hawks,” “skeeter-eaters” and “daddy longlegs.”

These insects are properly called crane flies, and while interesting and perhaps, annoying, they are nothing to be afraid of, says Chris Conlan, San Diego County’s supervising vector ecologist.

According to the County News Center, this is the time of year you usually spot crane flies in San Diego County, after the rains and as spring temperatures start to warm up. Their size is deceivingly big, their bodies can be as long as an inch, but they look bigger due to their six long, spindly legs.

The easiest way to I.D. a crane fly is if the insect you're looking at is larger than a dime, it's too big to be a mosquito, so it is most likely a crane fly.

Due to the rainiest winter in years, San Diego County will be home to more crane flies and other bugs this spring.

Here are some crane fly facts:

Crane flies are not giant mosquitoes

Conlan said crane flies are related to mosquitoes, but they are not mosquitoes. They don’t bite; they don’t suck blood. In fact, most adult crane flies don’t eat at all. Those that do, Conlan said, drink nectar.

Crane flies can’t transmit disease

They’re not a public health issue like mosquitoes or other vectors, which are the main concern for Conlan and the County’s Department of Environmental Health.

Crane flies do not eat mosquitoes

Nicknames like “mosquito hawks” and “skeeter-eaters” are colorful but totally inaccurate. Their wormlike larvae generally live in wet or moist soil, feeding off decaying organic matter. Some even live underwater. Adult flies don’t live long, about 10 days at the most — unless they’re gobbled up before that by birds, lizards or other creatures.

While spring is peak season for crane flies, they are actually around all year round. If you find the harmless bugs annoying, you can discourage them by turning off front-door and porch lights.

Photo: San Diego County News Center