Crane Flies

There are hundreds of species of crane fly in this country and almost all of them go by the name of daddy-long-legs. The differences between species can be microscopically small but we think this specimen photographed in Sheep Field is either a common European crane fly (Tipula paludosa) or a marsh crane fly (T. oleracea). At this time of year they hatch in the reserve’s field in their thousands, if not millions.