Which feature is associated with crane flies (Tipulidae)?

Which feature is associated with crane flies (Tipulidae)?

• A. Posterior respiratory disc with lobes
• B. Very short antennae
• C. Antennal clubs
• D. Wings with heavy venation

Answer: (A)

Crane fly larvae have a specialized posterior respiratory disc with lobes that aids gas exchange in wet or submerged habitats. This disc increases surface area for diffusion, helping the larva breathe while living in moist soil or shallow water. The other features described aren’t typical for crane flies—antennae are usually long, not very short or clubbed, and wings aren’t characterized by heavy venation. So, the posterior respiratory disc with lobes is the best match for crane flies.

Crane fly larvae have a specialized posterior respiratory disc with lobes that aids gas exchange in wet or submerged habitats. This disc increases surface area for diffusion, helping the larva breathe while living in moist soil or shallow water. The other features described aren’t typical for crane flies—antennae are usually long, not very short or clubbed, and wings aren’t characterized by heavy venation. So, the posterior respiratory disc with lobes is the best match for crane flies.