Crane Fly vs Larger Citronella Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Crane Fly | Larger Citronella Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tipula paludosa | Lasius interjectus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tipulidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 4-4.5 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Caves |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Crane Fly
Often mistaken for giant mosquitoes but completely harmless. Adults often do not feed at all. Larvae (leatherjackets) live in soil and can be lawn pests.
Did You Know?
Despite looking terrifying, crane flies are completely harmless — they cannot bite or sting. Most adults live just a few days and many never eat at all.
Larger Citronella Ant
A subterranean yellow ant that emits a strong lemon-like odor when crushed. It lives entirely underground tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew.
Did You Know?
These ants are rarely seen above ground except during mating flights, when winged reproductives emerge in large swarms.