The Lifespan of a Crane Fly

According to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, more than 1,500 species of crane flies have been identified in North America. Each type has unique characteristics. However, the adult mosquito-like fly generally has an elongated body up to 3 inches long, a pair of slender wings that spread up to 3 inches wide, and six long, skinny legs. Unlike the mosquito, the crane fly is harmless and does not bite.

The female crane fly generally lays her eggs in water, such as lakes or creeks, or in moist soil or on lawns during the spring. She may lay hundreds of eggs at a time, which generally hatch within 6 to 14 days. The first stage after hatching underwater or underground is the larval stage. The larva of the crane fly is shaped like a worm with both ends tapered. It has a tough outer skin covered with tiny hairs. During this larval stage the gray, brown- or cream-colored fly larvae feed off of leaves, roots and debris in the soil or water.

The pupae form after the larvae have eaten for several months and molted, or lost and replaced their skin, four times. During this stage, the crane fly rests between one week and several months while under protective cover. Generally, during the spring, the pupae emerge as adult crane flies.

The main goal of the adult crane fly in the spring is mating. During the adult stage, the crane fly does not eat. For the short 10- to 15-day period, the adults mate on plants or in the air near the water. Afterwards, the female deposits her eggs. When mating and egg distribution is complete, female dies. The male only lives up to 15 days as well.