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Trichocera annulata
Trichocera annulata is a species of winter crane fly. The image is cropped to show the detail of the small crane fly, which is about 6 mm in length. The larvae are usually found in rotting or decaying vegetation. The larvae and adults are an important food source for some birds in the winter.
Spotted in a coniferous forest in the Cascade Mountain foothills of eastern Washington. There was about a foot of snow on the ground after successive snowfalls.
Spotted on Jan 7, 2021
Submitted on Jan 30, 2021
3 Comments
Good read Brian. Thanks for the link.
Thanks for commenting,Tukup. The winter crane flies (Trichoceridae) are fascinating in that adults form in the winter. Here is a reference from Bug Eric:http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2015/01/winter-crane-flies.html
Amazing. I didn't see anything in your references but I assume it is dormant during cold weather? Great shot Brian, thanks.