Crane flies

Code QD019999

The Tipulidae are a quite heterogenous grouping based on their immature stages. Larval head capsules range from complete (that is, with the dorsal margin a continuous ring), to varying degrees of reduction, such that the posterior head comprises some rods. The head is retractile into the thorax, like many Brachycera. The respiratory system is predominantly metapneustic, rarely apneustic.

Views on the phylogenetic position of the family are changing from being basal in the Diptera (based on adult retention of many primitive features), to being much more advanced, based on immature stages derived similarities with "higher" Diptera.

The Tipulidae are an enormous family, the most speciose in the Diptera, with 71 genera and over 2,500 species described from the Australasian region. Although the adults have been studied by several authors, the immature stages of Australian taxa are a mystery, with no serious attempt at rearing having ever been undertaken.

Despite their frequency of occurrence in freshwater having led ABRS to list them in 1994 as worthy of taxonomic support, funding has not been forthcoming in 1995-6. Beyond stating that the tribe Pediciini often have aquatic larvae, without serious funded study, little more can be said.