Crane flies resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite. They grow up to 4 cm long and have a wingspan of more than 5 cm. Crane flies are grayish-brown and slender. Their legs are super-thin and long, and usually about twice as long as their bodies. Crane flies are poor fliers and wobble in unpredictable flight patterns.
There are many different species of crane flies; most of them are difficult to tell apart. They all live near water. Adult crane flies do not eat; their only one purpose is to mate and lay eggs.
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I find crane flies difficult to photograph. They are restless creatures; when not on the wing they are hiding in grasses or dense undergrowth.