Crane fly

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Crane Flies mate on plants near water or in mid-air over the water, depending on the species. Adult Crane Flies do not eat. They have only one purpose, to mate and lay eggs.

Female Crane Flies lay eggs in water or in moist soil near the water. If a Crane Fly lays them in water, she will stick the tip of her abodmen under the surface and the eggs will sink to the bottom. If a Crane Fly lays her eggs in soil, she uses her ovipositor to inject them below the soil surface.

The larvae of aquatic species (also called "water worms") will live most of their lives on the bottom of the stream or lake under dead leaves or other debris. Larvae of terrestrial (land) species, live in mud or wet moss near the water.

All Crane Fly larvae eat decaying plants, dead leaves, fungi, or roots of plants.