Family overview
Very long legs (easily broken off). Slender body with single pair of narrow wings. Often mistaken for giant mosquitoes but are harmless — most adults don't feed at all.
Larvae ('leatherjackets') feed on roots and decaying matter. Some species are turf pests.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Semi-aquatic
Approx. species
4,400
Notable members
European crane fly, giant crane fly