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For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#282979
Insect with Black/White/Clear Wings - Tipula trivittata

Insect with Black/White/Clear Wings - Tipula trivittata
Lake County, Illinois, USA
May 29, 2009
Size: Body Length approx 3/4"
This insect stayed on this leaf for quite some time. The wings were black/white/clear, not brownish as this photo shows. The added downview shows the true colors much better. I was wondering what it is and if the "frass" around his mouth is food or part of his anatomy. Do you know what it is?

Images of this individual: tag all
Insect with Black/White/Clear Wings - Tipula trivittata Insect with Black/White/Clear Wings - Tipula trivittata

Crane Fly
This is a crane fly. The pointed abdomen in the other picture makes it a female. (This is not a universal rule for insects. In some other families females have blunter abdomens.) The Crane Flies of Pennsylvania page has more information on Northeastern Crane Flies.

I would guess Tipula or a close relative.

Many crane flies have long mouthparts.

 
To John F. Carr
Thank you so much for your prompt reply! And for the web page citation. It's much appreciated!