Everything’s bigger in Texas?

Texas size mosquitos? In spring in central Texas, large mosquito-like insects become increasingly apparent, usually appearing in mass numbers.

In Gatesville and Coryell County, these pesky insects have recently begun to swarm, and those not familiar with them often think they are extremely large mosquitos. In fact, they are not mosquitos but are categorized as “crane flies,” which are delicate, gentle insects that are harmless and do not carry disease.

Common misconceptions about the pesky insects are that they eat mosquitoes or bite humans as regular mosquitos would.

Crane flies are generally known as nectar feeders, which often helps with the pollination process. It has been reported that, as adults, they have short lives – usually lasting one week or maybe two. They live most of their lives in the larval stage, merging as flying insects for only a few days as they look for a mate. The insect will mature into adulthood, mate, and then die.

Adult crane flies do not feed. The larvae are the only feeding forms. They feed on roots of grasses and decaying organic matter. The food sources for the larvae remain abundant in certain regions the insects inhabit. They are often found in moist areas following spring rains, which allows them to emerge in large masses. They are considered to be valuable to the ecosystem of the soil.

Female crane flies have extended abdomens, which house eggs and are capped with an ovipositor. Although these ovipositors appear similar to stingers, they are harmless and are only used for reproductive purposes.

Scientists have confirmed that the winged creatures are often attracted to lights and end up swarming around front porch lights and, at night, around windows where light appears.

In the United States, crane flies are also known as Jimmy Spinners, Mosquito Hawks, Mosquito Eaters, Mosquito Nippers, Gollywhoppers, and Gallinippers. They are known as “Daddy Long Legs” in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand.

To avoid crane flies as potential houseguests, experts advise that your window screens are sealed and that you keep your doors shut. If, by chance, they make entry into your home, remember they are quite harmless.