Stilt-legged Fly vs Alpine Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Stilt-legged Fly Alpine Crane Fly
Scientific Name Rainieria antennaepes Tipula alpium
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Micropezidae Tipulidae
Size 8-12 mm 15-22 mm body length
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Parasitoids Root Feeders
Regions North America Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Stilt-legged Fly

A slender fly with banded legs that it waves to mimic parasitoid wasp antennae.

💡

Did You Know?

It waves its front legs continuously to resemble an ichneumon wasp walking on four legs.

Alpine Crane Fly

A large crane fly of mountain pastures and alpine meadows. Its larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on grass roots.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite their fragile appearance, adults can fly in strong mountain winds.