Interactions

The Crane Flies’ interaction with other species has a lot to do with the habitat that it resides in. The larvae of the Tipulaidae are found in moist soil, in wet places along bodies of water, and in decaying leaves and organic matter in wooded areas. They tend to reside in habitats that have lots of moisture. See Habitat page for more information.
 Most of the Tipulaidae interactions are with aquatic vegetation or vegetation that is found near bodies of water. Some species are pests of sod grasses, grains, and other cultivated plants. (Allen 2003).



Typically, Crane Flies are food to other animals such as frogs, fish, birds, lizards, spiders, and even other insects. The larvae of the Crane Fly serve as an important role in the food chain. Not only as a source of food, but also in enriching the soil for other species. The larvae are detritus feeders which mean the larvae break down organic matter in streams and on the forest floors. This is important for other organisms that will need these nutrients (Red Planet Inc. 2012).

 As stated in the (nutrition) page,  many species of crane flies are hosts to  pseduoscorpians and mites.  There has also been evidence to suggest that  many species from the Family Tipulidae  have  been  victims  of  the  parasitic fungus Entomophthora. When infected, the fly shows off a bloated abdomen  filled with visible spores that eventually leads to death (Young 2008) .

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