European Crane Flies (Tipula paludosa and Tipula oleracea)

Biology of Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea

Overview

Crane flies are a globally distributed group of insects with nearly 16,000 described species. There are over 250 species native to New York State with 30 of those species in the genus Tipula, so it is important to recognize that not every crane fly you see is a pest species. Many native adult crane flies have varying wing patterns ranging from a single spot on the wing (stigmal spot), to elaborate spotting across the wing veins. It is important to note that several native Tipula species can occur in managed grassy areas and possess clear, unpatterned wings similar to those of T. paludosa and T. oleracea. If you are uncertain about a species identification, consult your local extension specialist. 

Adults

Adults of T. paludosa and T. oleracea are large crane flies, approximately 2.5-3 inches (6.27-7.5 centimeters) in length with a typical brownish gray body. The wings of both species are not patterned, but have a narrow smoky colored band along the leading edge of the wing and are typically 2-3 inches (5-7.5 centimeters) long. The wings of T. oleracea are typically as long as the abdomen or slightly longer, while the wings of T. paludosa are shorter than the abdomen. Additionally, wings of female T. paludosa are sometimes even shorter and considered brachypterous, or very reduced. T. paludosa has 14 antennal segments while T. oleracea has 13 segments. Another distinguishing characteristic between the two species is that in T. paludosa, there is a wide separation between the eyes on the underside of the head, while the eyes are almost touching with a very narrow separation in T. oleracea. Adults can sometimes be seen swarming as a result of mass emergence from infested turfgrasses. Adults are non feeding and relatively short-lived. Gravid females of T. paludosa are weak fliers, with sometimes reduced wings while gravid females of T. oleracea are stronger fliers, traveling further to distribute their eggs. 

Eggs

Eggs are shiny black, ovular, and approximately 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) in length, very difficult to see with the naked eye. Gravid females will lay up to 300 eggs at or near the soil surface. Eggs are extremely sensitive to drought and require damp conditions to survive. Females of T. paludosa typically lay their eggs within 2 days of emergence and mating, while T. oleracea lay their eggs over a 2 week period after emergence and mating. 

Larvae

First larval instars of T. paludosa typically emerge 1.5-2 weeks after eggs are laid, while instars of T. oleracea emerge 1 week after eggs are laid. Larval development is also highly dependent on moist soil conditions. Most larvae inhabit the top 1.18 inches (3 centimeters) of soil where they feed on root hairs, roots, and crowns of grasses. Both species have four larval instars before pupation. Larvae of T. paludosa overwinter in their third instar, while larvae of T. oleracea overwinter in their fourth and final instar. It is extremely difficult to distinguish between the two species at the larval stage. 

Pupae

Pupae usually wriggle to the surface of the turf, leaving behind a distinct pupal exuviae protruding from the site of eclosion when the adult emerges. In New York State, adults of both species emerge in late July to early September, with a second generation of T. oleracea additionally emerging in late April to early May. 

Range and presence of Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea in New York State

Distribution maps of T. paludosa and T. oleracea across counties of New York State from introduction in 2004 to 2025.

Monitoring and management of Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea

Monitoring for Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea can begin by paying attention to adult crane fly activity, especially in wet/poorly drained areas of turf. Because adults lay eggs so soon after emergence (and very close to emergence sites in T. paludosa), adult activity can be a good indicator for the next generation of larvae. The best way to monitor for crane fly larvae in your turf is to take cup cutter samples in suspect areas of turf in fall or spring. The cores can be fairly shallow (3 inches/7.62 centimeters) and should be hand sorted for larvae. One additional thing to look for specifically on greens and tees is pupal cases protruding above the mowed line, indicating adult emergence. For assistance with identification, reach out to your local extension specialist. 

Management for T. paludosa and T. oleracea should be directed against the larvae, opposed to the adults which are very short-lived. Due to the larval sensitivity to dry conditions, management of soil moisture, where feasible, can be a useful control tactic to reduce populations. The timing and frequency of irrigation (during female oviposition period) could be manipulated to better drain the infested areas, causing the surrounding soil to dry up. 

If necessary, preventative applications of insecticides are best made in September to October at the time of egg laying, or when larvae are smaller and still active at the soil surface. Curative applications can be made in May once higher populations and/or feeding populations are detected. If T. oleracea is present, a late fall application would be beneficial to target both species and both generations of T. oleracea. Recommended pesticide treatments for New York State can be found on the Bureau of Pesticides Management Information Portal.

Any time you use a pesticide, you must read and follow the label directions and comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to pesticide use. Also be sure that any pesticide used is approved for use in your country and state/province.