Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis

Common Brown Crane Fly at Forde, ACT

Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis at Forde, ACT - 7 Nov 2020
Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis at Forde, ACT - 7 Nov 2020
Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis at Forde, ACT - 7 Nov 2020
Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis at Forde, ACT - 7 Nov 2020
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Identification history

Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis 14 Nov 2020 KimPullen
Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis 8 Nov 2020 RogerF

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User's notes

Didn't stay on any swaying grass stalk for long.

2 comments

RogerF wrote:
   8 Nov 2020
This is a crane fly not a hanging fly and like all flies has one pair of wings. Several were seen on my walk. The hanging fly belongs to the Order Mecoptera and has 2 pairs of wings and piercing mouth parts. The male presents a nuptial gift (a prey item) to the female. This distracts the female so mating can safely proceed! I actually saw a hanging fly with a crane fly prey.
YumiCallaway wrote:
   9 Nov 2020
That's very interesting - thank you!

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 1 - 3 Abundance
  • 7 Nov 2020 11:59 AM Recorded on
  • YumiCallaway Recorded by

Additional information

  • Grass Associated plant
  • 25mm to 50mm Animal size

Species information

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  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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