Is it a mosquito hawk or a crane fly? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the two aren’t actually the same thing. Let’s talk about what each term means, the distinct characteristics of each, and why it matters, especially if you want to make your yard less attractive to these flying pests!
What is a Crane Fly?
Do you know the insects that look like overgrown mosquitoes? That’s a crane fly. People often confuse it with a general mosquito because of its long, slender body and legs and long, narrow wings. Their favorite habitats are also very similar to those of mosquitoes. Like mosquitoes, they thrive in damp, dark environments, such as standing water, damp soil, or near decaying plants.
Preferring plant nectar over human blood, crane flies are relatively harmless and don’t typically bite. In fact, they don’t even live too long! Most adults only live a few days to reproduce before dying off.
What is a Mosquito Hawk?
Unlike the name suggests, a mosquito hawk is not a single insect. Instead, it refers to a group of insects, including the crane fly, dragonflies, and damselflies. The term originally came from the idea that these larger insects feast on other types of mosquitoes. In reality, only dragonflies and damselflies are effective predators of mosquitoes.
Even though crane flies do not threaten mosquitoes, they have characteristics similar to those of other mosquito hawks. They all have four stages of life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They all live the majority of their life in the larva stage, where they make the most impact on their environments by feeding on decaying plant material in the soil. Once they become adults, dragonflies and damselflies often live for a few months, whereas crane flies will die off in just a few days.
The Differences Between Crane Fly and Mosquito Hawk
A crane fly looks like a giant mosquito with long, skinny, brown legs and wings. On the other hand, dragonflies and damselflies have more colorful torsos and wings, making them a beautiful sight as they fly around, feasting on mosquitoes and other smaller insects. The biggest difference between crane flies and mosquito hawks is that one will help you get rid of mosquitoes while the other is generally useless to combat them.
Their lifespans are also significantly different. Every mosquito hawk spends the majority of their lives as nymphs. However, adult crane flies live only a few days, while dragonflies and damselflies typically live for a few weeks to a few months.
Common Misconceptions About Crane Flies vs. Mosquito Hawks
Do mosquito hawks bite? Not if you aren’t a mosquito! None of them feed on human blood, which is what makes biting you attractive to mosquitos. Although these insects are typically seen as predators, the opposite is true. Other than flying in packs and buzzing around your head, they typically will not harm you, your pets, or your plants.
Another big misconception about crane flies and mosquito hawks is that the terms are interchangeable. While a crane fly is a mosquito hawk, the term is not all-inclusive.
Understanding the Differences Between Crane Flies vs Mosquito Hawks
Understanding the differences between crane flies and mosquito hawks is the first step to researching how to rid your backyard of unwanted critters. As it turns out, crane flies are not the partners in mosquito catching you may have once thought they were. They’re actually incredibly helpful to the environment and ecosystem around you. Not only do they help improve soil health and aid in the decomposition process, but they also serve as a natural food source for birds, bats, and other smaller predators.
If your yard is more popular with crane flies but lacks the presence of other mosquito hawks, like dragonflies and damselflies, turn to other eco-friendly pest control solutions, such as mosquito spraying and essential oils.
If itchy mosquitoes and other unwanted critters are making your outdoor space less enjoyable than it should be, let the professionals at Mosquito Joe® help! Our pest control services can help identify the bugs calling your land home and develop a plan to evict them effectively.
All of our visits are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right!
Are you ready to enjoy your outdoor space without the threat of itchy bites?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crane Flies and Mosquito Hawks
Here at Mosquito Joe, we specialize in providing specialty pest services and have answered the very questions you may be wondering about, too Whether your yard is overrun with mosquitoes or unwanted crane flies, our professionals know exactly how to reclaim your space!
Are mosquito hawks harmful?
Generally, no. Mosquito hawks are not harmful. They may look intimidating or annoy you when flying around your home, but they are not poisonous and will not bite.
Can crane flies bite you?
Nope! Crane fly mouths can only drink nectar, not bite humans. They also cannot sting you.
Do crane flies keep mosquitoes away?
No. Adult crane flies don’t do much of anything. While their larvae play an important role in our ecosystem, they will not help rid your yard of mosquitoes. Professional pest exterminator services provide the best layer of protection against insects and mosquitoes.
