A Brief Encounter With The Fascinating Giant Crane Fly

I just found a giant bug in my place in Torrington. I've seen them before but had no idea what it truly was. I always figured these were giant mosquitos? I did some research, it's not a skeeter, so, let me introduce you to the Giant Crane Fly

I've always been fascinated with bugs, lizards, snakes, and turtles, and I've gotten beyond my childhood squeamishness and fear to understand that many are beneficial and shouldn't be killed if they trespass into my house or get too close. I've had a bad track record with Giant Crane Fly in my lifetime, but that changes now.

Crane Fly are big; this one was an inch and a half long with a 4-inch leg radius, very much like a Daddy Longlegs with wings, and just as fragile. Crane Fly are beautiful insects, completely harmless to humans, and one of the oldest known groups of flies in the world - over 245 million years old, dating back to the Middle-Triassic Period according to wikipedia.org.

Some species of Crane Fly are native to Connecticut, while the European and Marsh Crane Fly species are invasive. Although they pose no threat to us or our pets Crane Fly larvae can damage lawns. Crane Fly have a short lifespan of a week or two, so short that they may not ever eat. This little one was attracted to our porchlight and made it's way into my doorway, I carefully picked it up with a piece of paper and put it in the bushes. I hope that gets me a pass for our next encounter, or maybe a lifetime ban from my bedroom?