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Tipuloidea

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Mosquito hawk. Skeeter-eater. Gallinipper. Gollywhopper. Jenny longlegs. Daddy longlegs. Crane flies are found all over the world and go by many different names. There are several common misconceptions about these insects:

  1. That they are the most venomous insects in the world (in fact, they have neither venom nor the ability to bite).
  2. That they prey on mosquito populations (also untrue; the adult crane fly is anatomically incapable of killing or consuming other insects).

Crane fly larvae can be important in the soil ecosystem, because they process organic material and increase microbial activity. Larvae and adults are also valuable prey items for many animals, including insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. However, the larvae of some crane fly species are agricultural pests, as they feed on the roots, root hairs, crown, and sometimes the leaves of crops. But mostly, these giant, delicate creatures are completely harmless.

green man

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Some friends and I got the docent tour at historic Adamson House; there are many things to love about this place, especially if you like decorative tile. But one of my favourites was the Green Man fountain (it‘s in the grounds; you don‘t need to pay for the tour to see it). I guess I just really like sculptural faces on water features.

Phrynosoma blainvillii

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Alli and I explored a back route into Topanga State Park this morning, then hiked the familiar and much-loved Musch Trail. (Who was Musch? I’ll have to ask Suzanne, she’ll probably know.) We spotted a Blainville horned lizard close to where I saw one (my first!) last year. Nice!