This crane fly is approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in length. The head is very small with bulging black eyes. The thorax is light brown with shiny black markings. The abdomen is light brown with black marings across each segment. The sharply pointed tip of the abdomen of the female shown here is rust colored. The wings are clear with slight darkening at the tips and heavy veining with a black spot on distal edge of the costa. The legs are long and brown.
The frequency of occurrence is not known. The individual shown here was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in mid-June.
There are 40 species in the genus Nephrotoma, known as Tiger Crane Flies. This genus is largely identified by wing venation and the look of a “polished body.“ This individual was identified from photographs by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
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