Cranefly (Limonia)

Taxonomic group

Tipulidae: Limonia

Diagnostic features

Limonia is one of our less common tipulid craneflies with freshwater larvae. Like other tipulids the general body form is worm-like, with the head usually retracted into the body. The spiracular disc (breathing apparatus at the tip of the tail) is surrounded by 5 short, hair-fringed lobes (one smaller than the other 4). Limonia has creeping welts and scars along the abdomen, but these tend to be less conspicuous than those of Aphrophila.

[Limonia]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Limonia. Image: Stephen Moore

[Limonia]. Spiracular disc with 5 hair-fringed lobes. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Limonia. Spiracular disc with 5 hair-fringed lobes. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Limonia tend to be found amongst vegetation, sometimes in rotting wood in soft-bottom streams. At least one species occurs in estuarine sites.

Feeding

At least some species are shredders, feeding on plant detritus.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 6
Soft bottom: 6.3

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Limonia can be found in streams with moderate to good water quality. They have mid-range tolerance values of 6 (hard bottom sites) and 6.3 (soft bottom sites).