Read about related Diptera by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. Members of this Order of insects are extremely diverse. Many are small and agile flies as their name suggests. Some flies carry the tainted reputation for being carriers of disease such as malaria and yellow fever. Fly groups include crane flies, midges, gnats, mosquitos, black flies, horse flies, window flies, robber flies, bee flies, house flies, fruit flies, shore flies, dung flies, flesh flies and many others.

Crane Fly Tipula spp. Diptera Tipulidae Crane fly adults only live for a couple of days and do not usually feed. Their larval stages are usually aquatic. These flies easily loose their long spindly legs if handled. Because of their size, you can study the "halteres" organs. Halteres function as balancing gyroscopes and are located just behind the first set of wings on the thorax. This large crane fly is sometimes mistaken for a giant mosquito due to conspicuous mouthparts. In England, they carry the common name of "daddy-long_legs", not to be confused with Phalangida group of arachnids which also carry this common name. The French call these insects "cousins". View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects