Tipules are insects known as gnats, because they resemble large mosquitoes. Unlike these, however, they are harmless and do not sting. Let's not kill them!
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWe know how annoying mosquitoes can be, especially during the night, when their buzzing and stinging disturb sleep and prevent us from sleeping.
Although mosquitoes are widespread especially in summer, they can also torment us in autumn if the temperatures remain mild.
In the same period it is easy to meet another insect very similar to mosquito, but which does not sting and is absolutely harmless. This is the tipula (Crane fly), also known as "zanzarone" because it resembles a large mosquito.
Tipulas are insects of the Tipulidae family, very common and widespread in different parts of the world, including Europe.
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Two or three times larger than a mosquito, characterized by a gray-brown body and long legs, they are often confused with the male of the mosquito. They actually have nothing to do with annoying mosquitoes and they are unable to attack or sting humans.
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There are several species of tipule: some do not even have a mouthparts, others have developed it to be able to collect the nectar of the flowers, therefore they contribute to thepollination of plants.
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Only a few species represent a danger to crops because at the larval stage they feed on roots, basal leaves and plant collars that grow in humid soils.
The adult specimens, which we can find from autumn to spring, especially near bodies of water, hardly need to feed and do not represent a danger.
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If you meet them at home, remember that they cannot sting or cause harm and that they are harmless to humans and animals, therefore do not crush them.
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Sources of reference: Entomology Today / Agraria.org
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