The word Tipule comes from the Latin “tippula,” meaning “water spider.” In common French, they are often called “cousins.”
Tipulidae – Crane Flies
Tipulidae are the best-known representatives of the Tipuloidea. They are characterized by their large size, elongated abdomen, and especially their very long legs, which break easily when handled. Their flight is slow and clumsy, making them easy to observe. Adults feed little, while larvae develop in soil or wet areas, where they play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter. Despite their sometimes alarming appearance, they are completely harmless. This page introduces their biology, life cycle, and preferred habitats.
