found near small woodland stream near the beaver pond at Foley Mountain C.A.
We always watch for these Phantom Crane flies at the little bridge over the stream
as we've seen them there several times. They are difficult to see as they are
so fragile and they stay in the deep shade at all times. When in flight, they look
like a floating star-like object as the only visible parts are the white sections
of the long, fragile legs. They float with their legs equidistant, so have a bit of
a snowflake look to them when floating around. They move very slowly and stay within
the shelter of foliage such as Jewelweed, Sensitive ferns, etc.. They may sometimes
be found clinging to the underside of a leaf, as in this photo. They generally
grasp the leaf by 2 to 4 feet and hang from the edge of the leaf with some legs free.
They tend to be difficult to photograph -- in part because they are very thin but
with long legs, so difficult to focus upon -- and also because they seem quite shy
and will move away if approached.