European crane fly

European crane flies are about a half in long, with six long legs.  A distinguishing characteristic of adult European crane flies is a dark-colored band on the leading edge of the wing next to a light colored band.  The rest of the wing has no pigmented areas, which is useful for distinguishing them apart from some native species.  Eggs of European crane flies are black and oval shaped and can be found near the soil surface.  The larvae are gray-brown and worm-like.  Larvae have a tough skin with visible veins.  The empty pupal cases may be seen in low turf and look like small grey-black twigs.