What is this? This insect was on our glass sliding door. It's about 3" long. I took a few shot through the door and stacked them in Affinity Photo. It isn't very sharp but I am curious...

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

This insect was on our glass sliding door. It's about 3" long. I took a few shot through the door and stacked them in Affinity Photo. It isn't very sharp but I am curious as to what it is as I haven't seen one before. I didn't get a look at the other side. It somewhat resembles a damselfly but we have never had any in our yard.

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dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

ecobin wrote:

This insect was on our glass sliding door. It's about 3" long. I took a few shot through the door and stacked them in Affinity Photo. It isn't very sharp but I am curious as to what it is as I haven't seen one before. I didn't get a look at the other side. It somewhat resembles a damselfly but we have never had any in our yard.

Elliott I will be darned if I know what it is exactly but I think you are on the right track with a Damsel Fly or Dragon Fly. I am not sure of the difference. I sure like your photo though. Well done.

Dennis

relbugman Loc: MD/FL/CA/SC

A Crane Fly, Tipulidae, a true two-winged fly, the 2nd pair reduced to halteres, the tiny pom-pom below the forewing. Dragonflies and Damselflies have 4 wings; a characteristic is that they are held outstretched or held together vertically above the back, and the 2nd pair are full wings similar to the forewings. Nice shot showing the necessities for general (to family) ID.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Yep, Crane Fly. Nice shot.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

dennis2146 wrote:

Elliott I will be darned if I know what it is exactly but I think you are on the right track with a Damsel Fly or Dragon Fly. I am not sure of the difference. I sure like your photo though. Well done.

Dennis

Thanks, Dennis. Damselfiles have the long slim bodies whereas the Dragons have the shorter heavier looking bodies.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

relbugman wrote:

A Crane Fly, Tipulidae, a true two-winged fly, the 2nd pair reduced to halteres, the tiny pom-pom below the forewing. Dragonflies and Damselflies have 4 wings; a characteristic is that they are held outstretched or held together vertically above the back, and the 2nd pair are full wings similar to the forewings. Nice shot showing the necessities for general (to family) ID.

Thanks very much. I keep an eye out for more Crane Flies.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

kpmac wrote:

Yep, Crane Fly. Nice shot.

Thanks, Ken. I wasn't familiar with these - always learning!

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Nice image of a cranefly. Some folks think that they are large mosquitos when they see them. Adults have a short life and they are very fragile when handled.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

sippyjug104 wrote:

Nice image of a cranefly. Some folks think that they are large mosquitos when they see them. Adults have a short life and they are very fragile when handled.

Thanks, Gary.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

They come in all sizes, and some species are super common. Many people react negatively to them since they look like really big mosquitoes. But adults generally don't even eat.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

They come in all sizes, and some species are super common. Many people react negatively to them since they look like really big mosquitoes. But adults generally don't even eat.

Thanks, Mark.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

ecobin wrote:

Thanks, Dennis. Damselfiles have the long slim bodies whereas the Dragons have the shorter heavier looking bodies.

Thank you Elliott. I may not remember the next time so forgive me if I do not. But I appreciate your comment.

Dennis