The Truth About These Giant Mosquitos Seen All Over Illinois

Ever see a long-legged, oversized mosquito hovering around your porch light? Newsflash! It's not a mosquito, and there are good reasons why you shouldn't squash it!

Insects in Illinois

Insects and I do NOT get along, and by that I mean I hate each and every one of them...especially when they get in my house.

Yes, I know every insect has a greater purpose and all of them are needed to keep our ecosystem alive, but I'd rather they do all the necessary bug things where I never have to see them.

Are Huge Mosquitos Invading Illinois?

Of all the insects in Illinois, the ones I despise most are the ones with wings and stingers, (or what look like stingers), and just the other day I had a run in with a giant mosquito that about had me running for the hills.

Here's what the freaky insect looked like...

GROSS, right?!?

Throwing my shoe took care of the massive blood sucker in a second, but then my husband sent me this and now I feel like a big, overreacting jerk...

A crane fly? What the heck is that?!?

What Is a Crane Fly?

According to bugoutservice.com;

Crane flies are found all around the world in temperate or tropical climates and are often confused with mosquitoes, as they look like super-sized versions of those blood-sucking insects. Although their long bodies and thin legs resemble giant mosquitoes, crane flies do not bite people.

Moist, grassy areas are a crane fly's favorite hangout, and we have a big garden patch to the right of our back door, (that we cover in grass clippings), so it makes total sense that this big bug has taken up residence in our yard.

The moral of this story is; while the crane fly might be annoying and look like a giant blood sucking insect vampire, it is harmless to humans, is good for plants, and should just be left alone. (Added bonus, they don't live long).