Tipula vernalis

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Description

A large cranefly with a distinctive wing pattern. It has a dark stripe along its back and a dark triangle on the thorax and striking green eyes.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Mainly in moist well-wooded places, wet woodland and marshy areas.

When to see it

April to June

Life History

The larvae feed on plant roots and the adult flies feed on nectar.

UK Status

Common and widely distributed in Britain.

VC55 Status

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland

  • David Nicholls
    Wirlybones Wood, Ratby
    24 May 2008
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Pasture
    09 May 2014
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    22 May 2009
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Hill
    12 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Hill
    12 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Hill
    12 May 2011

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Species group:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Tipulidae
Records on NatureSpot:
178
First record:
24/05/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
26/09/2024 (Dejardin, Andrew)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records

  • David Nicholls
    Burroughs Road, Ratby
    31 May 2013
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog, Leics
    21 May 2015
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    08 June 2013
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Hill
    12 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Bagworth Heath
    19 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Bagworth Heath
    19 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Rutland Water
    27 May 2011
  • Barbara Cooper
    Long Clawson
    16 May 2012
  • Barbara Cooper
    Long Clawson
    16 May 2012
  • David Nicholls
    Ulverscroft
    18 May 2012
  • David Nicholls
    Evington Park
    25 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    River Soar - St Marys Mills
    25 May 2012
  • David Nicholls
    Evington Park
    25 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    Gilroes Cemetery Extension
    27 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    Gilroes Cemetery Extension
    27 May 2012
  • Graham Calow
    Ullesthorpe Stewardship Farm
    07 June 2013
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    24 May 2009