Crane flies have distinct diets depending on their life stage:

• Larvae (called leatherjackets): They are the primary feeders and consume roots of grasses, shoots, leaves, decaying wood, fungi, algae, and other vegetation. Some aquatic larvae also eat decaying vegetation and leaf debris, and a few species prey on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic insects. Larvae live in moist soil or aquatic environments and can be pests to lawns and crops by damaging roots and seedlings

• Adults: Most adult crane flies do not eat at all because they have short lifespans (often just a few days) and lack functional mouthparts. Those that do feed typically consume nectar and pollen from flowers. Adults mainly focus on mating and laying eggs before dying

In summary, crane fly larvae are voracious feeders on plant roots and organic matter, while adults rarely feed and may only sip nectar if they feed at all. The myth that crane flies eat mosquitoes is mostly false, though some larvae occasionally prey on mosquito larvae