Giant Crane Fly vs Noon Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Giant Crane Fly	Noon Fly
Scientific Name	Tipula maxima	Mesembrina meridiana
Order	Diptera	Diptera
Family	Tipulidae	Muscidae
Size	30-40 mm body length, wingspan up to 65 mm	10-13mm
Habitat	Rivers & Streams	Farmland
Diet	Detritivores	Dung Feeders
Regions	Europe	Europe
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Giant Crane Fly

The largest European crane fly, with marbled wings spanning up to 65 mm. Larvae develop in wet leaf litter along stream banks and shaded ravines.

💡

With a wingspan approaching 65 mm, it is often mistaken for a giant mosquito but is entirely harmless.

A large stocky black fly with bright orange wing bases. It basks in sunshine on walls and fences at midday.

💡

Named for its habit of basking in the midday sun, often sitting motionless on warm surfaces around noon.