header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


| Commentary by Evelyne Vandersande
| Thursday, Apr 27, 2017

Sometimes the change in nature around you is subtle, and you have to pay close attention to notice anything at all … a tree is in bloom for just a week and you will have to wait until next year if you miss it. You might get only a quick glimpse of the Western tanager right now in your backyard; it is a migrant bird that certainly was not there a few weeks ago.

On the other hand, some changes hit you smack in the face. This is the case with the insect called crane flies – which some people call mosquito hawks.

In fact they are not mosquito hawks, and they are not going to eat any mosquitos, either. They do not even have mouth parts. They won’t sting you, bite you or attack you in any way, shape or form. They are totally harmless.

Crane flies look like giant, fragile, super-huge mosquitos with balance problems. Right now you see them everywhere during the day and in the evening, especially around your porch lights. I even had one go inside my dryer, presumably attracted by the light. I left the door open, and it left again with a goofy flight, bouncing left and right.

You might try to catch one gently from inside your house to release it outside, but you can be sure that one or two legs will be caught, even with the most careful touch. Some people cannot stand them because they do not seem to be much in control of their flight, and they often end up right front of our faces or caught in our hair.

I was wondering why they are called crane flies. I learned they got that name because they seem to resemble the birds, the crane, in that they have a slow flight and let their long legs dangle behind them during flight. Both share an awkward look in flight, so this is how it got started.

Crane flies are flies from the family Tipulidae. They are insects, but they are not related to mosquitoes at all.

We seem to have a large population this year, and there might be some indication that many larvae were able to change into flies because of the wet spring. I should tell you the good news right now: Their lifespan is short, two weeks maximum, so they are not here to stay for the whole summer.

The adults sometimes absorb nectar through their body, but their only purpose is to mate, and for the female to lay eggs. Females look a little different from males: They have a larger abdomen, and it ends in a pointed ovipositor. But remember again, they cannot sting. It is all for show. It only looks like a stinger.

The female has larger wings than the male and also flies in a straighter line; as we know, the male does not control that very well.

After mating, the male dies and the female shoots the eggs onto the ground. The eggs will hatch and will become “leather jackets,” a larva often found in lawns. They are called “leather jackets” because they look “leathery,” are brown and grey in color, and grow to a nice size of 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches long.

Although the parents do not eat a thing, the larva eats all the time – wood, vegetation shoots and roots. At night, they come out to munch on grass and flowers. In the winter, the feeding frenzy slows down and they start to weave a cocoon for protection. Inside the cocoon, they transform themselves into crane flies, waiting to come out when spring is here.

Why should we protect these insects and not chase after them with a fly swatter? If you want to do that, you will win every time, because they are the worst flying insects I have ever seen. However, they are also great food for birds. Think about all of those baby birds that just came out of the nest and which still need to learn a thing or two about being great hunters. These are a perfect meal for those adolescents.

They are also food for reptiles and amphibians – frog season is in full action right now, and you must have noticed all of the new lizards about.

People have noticed that crane flies are great fishing bait and have studied their configuration to use them as models for making artificial lures.

You can learn the most about crane flies from the U.S. entomologist Charles Paul Alexander (1889-1981) who devoted his life to this study. The order is divided into 15,000 species and 525 genera of crane flies, making them the largest group of flies, well worth getting some of our attention.

But there are still many facts that are totally unknown. For many species, we have never seen the larvae … but they must be somewhere. Also, most crane flies have big eyes, but we do not know how well they see. Some males in certain species have antennae with very elongated segments compared to the females, but we do not know why or what are they used for.

The courtship and communication between females and males brings more questions than answers, and different species have different behavior. Some males get into an all-male swarm to attract the females, while others fly around with their forelegs outstretched, using a contact pheromone to invite a partner.

It is kind of fun to think about all of those little secrets that baffle humans in spite of many studies.

Yes, I know they can be a pain when you open your door at night and a handful is waiting to enter your house. I know it does not seem fair to try to “whoosh out” an insect that drops legs so easily. It can be annoying to have a crane fly going through your home like a drunk, hitting the walls and getting stuck in corners without finding an escape.

Bear with it. They will soon be gone. Just a few more days.

 

Evelyne Vandersande has been a docent at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center since 1986. She lives in Newhall.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

11 Comments

  1. It’s in my backyard….here I thought they were Mosquitos!

  2. Melody Vito Melody Vito says:

    Usually see them called crane flies.

  3. Bob Shepler Bob Shepler says:

    Yep. Go out every morning an look around. Do it all year

  4. They are gentle and they eat mosquitos

  5. I have notice that there’s less and less am off Sand and Sierra.

  6. Great article Evelyne!

  7. Blake Frye Blake Frye says:

    50 of these in my friends garage the other night

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com