jääkraan

Jääkraan is a Finnish term that translates to "ice crane" or "ice crane fly." It refers to a type of insect belonging to the order Diptera, commonly known as true flies. Specifically, jääkraan refers to the family Tipulidae, which are large, delicate flies with long legs and wings. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless to humans and do not bite or sting.

These insects are often found in damp environments, such as near bodies of water, in forests, and in meadows, where their larvae typically develop in moist soil, decaying vegetation, or aquatic habitats. The adult jääkraan are short-lived and primarily feed on nectar or do not feed at all, focusing their energy on reproduction. Their flight is often described as weak and drifting, contributing to their common English name, "crane fly," due to their long, slender bodies and legs resembling a crane.

The larval stage, also known as leatherjackets, can sometimes be considered pests in agricultural settings due to their feeding habits on plant roots. However, in many ecosystems, they play a role in decomposition and serve as a food source for other animals. The term jääkraan is used in Finnish to identify these specific types of crane flies.