T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network


Crane Fly (Giant)(Austrotipula hudsoni)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Suborder: Nematocera
Infraorder: Tipulomorpha
Superfamily: Tipuloidea
Family: Tipulidae
Species: Austrotipula
Scientific name: Austrotipula hudsoni
Common name: Giant Crane Fly

The New Zealand Giant crane (Austrotipula hudsoni) which can have a body length of 30mm is New Zealand largest fly.  Found in wet forests south of Rotoroa.

 

 

Photo below showing halteres ( the knobbed stalks) on crane fly just behind the wings. These halteres operate as vibrating structure gyroscopes. Click on photo for an enlargement.

 

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