crane fly

noun

1. any of numerous nonbiting insects constituting the family Tipulidae, inhabiting damp areas and resembling a large mosquito with extremely long legs.

crane fly

noun

1. Also called (Brit): daddy-longlegs. any dipterous fly of the family Tipulidae, having long legs, slender wings, and a narrow body

Other Word Forms

• crane-fly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crane fly¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

The behavior has been noted in related species of crane fly, and in other insect species, when predators grasp their legs.

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Back then, the culprit was the European crane fly.

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The artificial fall also overpowered the crane fly, stymied by its long legs and slow flying.

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I sat in the driveway and watched the last few crane flies bob through the air.

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“That’s a crane fly. I have a lot of crane fly imitations.”

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