Cranefly I think

GrayB · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 09:38 PM

Hi Everyone,
I saw what i think is a type of Cranefly today but it's one i've never come across before, can anyone ID it for me please.
The wings look alot different than the average Cranefly i usually see and it's flight was more of a bounce than a smooth flight.
Cheers.
Gray.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 09:45 PM

Hi Gray,

It's a so-called Phantom Cranefly, family Ptychopteridae. They can be generally identified as being like 'regular' craneflies, but with swollen abdomens... at least that's how I do!

This might be a Ptychoptera sp.

GrayB · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Thanks Jason,
Very interesting info you gave, first time i've seen one but i'll be reading into them abit more now

Cheers.
Gray.

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 11:37 PM

Pleasure - I saw my first about a month ago. Being one I wanted to see, I instantly recognised it as one from this family and just hoped it would stay round long enough to allow me to get a shot for the website... fortunately it did.

Quite an attractive family!