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phantom crane fly

Photo by Scott Frazier
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The phantom crane flies (Ptychopteridae) are so named because the often seem to disappear from view as they blend into the background owing to their thin construction and coloration. However they tend to vibrate and the white distal leg segments catch the light, allowing one to hone in on them.

Habitat:

Spotted in a large semi-urban yard/garden adjacent to a disturbed patch of remnant forest.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)

Phantom crane flies are notoriously difficult to capture as a conspicuous image -- hence the reasoning behind the common name. Here is a clear image showing a phantom crane fly as seldom seen. http://jenraisescranes.blogspot.com/2010/09/phantom-crane-fly.html
Photographed
PublishedNovember 30, 2011

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