| Tipula simplex | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dead male specimen of Tipula simplex | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Tipulidae |
| Genus: | Tipula |
| Subgenus: | Triplicitipula |
| Species: | T. simplex |
| Binomial name | |
| Tipula simplex Doane, 1909 | |
Tipula simplex, commonly known as the range crane fly, is a species of crane fly in the family Tipulidae, found in the western United States. [1] It is arguably the most well-known/well-researched crane fly in Tipulidae. [2]
The male has a wing length of 11–12 mm (0.43–0.47 in), whilst the female is essentially wingless, with wings greatly reduced and subequal in length to the halteres. [3]
The wing pattern consists of dark brown spots along the costal and apical margins separated by about 2 mm.[ citation needed ]
The potential suitable habitats of T. simplex are unirrigated pastures of the Central Valley (California). [4]
Tipula simplex has a known distribution in California, from Santa Cruz County north to Colusa County and east to Mariposa County. [1] There are unconfirmed reports of T. simplex east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. [4]
Tipula simplex larvae feed on old cow manure, plant roots, and decaying matter. [4] The feeding habits of adults are currently unknown along with all Tipulidae. [2]
Larvae can cause adverse effects in the pastures they inhabit in high enough concenctrations. It has been observed, once every 6 years or so in Tulare County, that the numbers of larvae in an area can destroy all forage/fodder, make hills bare, and negatively affect the watershed. [4]