April Cranefly confusing me

[Geoff F]

Another from my unidentified files; which I thought was going to be easy.

S. Devon in April



I can't quite understand the wing veins, particularly the upper basal cell and discal cell area. But I may have an oddly marked individual or, more likely, I've completely misunderstood something from the keys.

I will try to keep checking but would appreciate any expert help.

I will keep returning with questions because there are plenty of other species in my unidentified section.

[Jason Green]

From what I can remember, have you been down the route involving a 'Chocolate-brown' wing-cell? That, and the rhomboidal genitalia may narrow-down the options - but being early in the year and down-south you'll have a good few Tipula spp. remaining.

Not sure if T. vernalis is one of those.

[Geoff F]

Thanks Jason, I will check that one out.

The species which was on top of my list was Tipula (Yamatotipula) lateralis. Or possibly marginella but I think that one has a darker body.

But I have been trying to follow the ID keys and getting lost with those wing veins/cells; and I'm struggling to find any close up photos.

[Jason Green]

The wing-veins/cells are often difficult even with a specimen - they tend to curl laterally and obscure cross-veins. In these cases I've just taken a wing off, left it in warm water then prepared a microscope slide. Such steps make it much easier when asked about cells later on, and give you confidence in subsequent steps as well as forming a nice future reference-point.

These are so much easier done by specimen, than keyed from photographs.

[Geoff F]

These are so much easier done by specimen, than keyed from photographs.

Yes that applies to most of the tricky species.

If I knew I was going to encounter something 'interesting' every day, it is something which I would consider doing. Perhaps next summer; but I do enjoy the challenge of getting a good live macro photo, and I am already carrying around more kit than my aged back can happily cope with.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

If I knew I was going to encounter something 'interesting' every day, it is something which I would consider doing.

All you need is a simple catch-net and a pot or two.

[bugbotherer]

Have a look at Tipula vittata as an option. It's quite an early flier

[Geoff F]

Yes but I thought T. vittata had rather dark markings towards the wing tips plus a white strip running from the discal cell to the wing tip. But I've only just started trying to understand this family.