Tipula simplex
Tipula simplex, commonly known as the range crane fly, is a species of crane fly in the family Tipulidae, found in the western United States.[1] It is arguably the most well-known/well-researched crane fly in Tipulidae.[2] DescriptionThe male has a wing length of 11–12 mm (0.43–0.47 in), whilst the female is essentially wingless, with wings greatly reduced and subequal in length to the halteres.[3] The wing pattern consists of dark brown spots along the costal and apical margins separated by about 2 mm.[citation needed] HabitatThe potential suitable habitats of T. simplex are unirrigated pastures of the Central Valley (California).[4] RangeTipula simplex has a known distribution in California, from Santa Cruz County north to Colusa County and east to Mariposa County.[1] There are unconfirmed reports of T. simplex east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.[4] DietTipula simplex larvae feed on old cow manure, plant roots, and decaying matter.[4] The feeding habits of adults are currently unknown along with all Tipulidae.[2] EcologyLarvae can cause adverse effects in the pastures they inhabit in high enough concenctrations. It has been observed, once every 6 years or so in Tulare County, that the numbers of larvae in an area can destroy all forage/fodder, make hills bare, and negatively affect the watershed.[4] References
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
