Tanyptera is a genus of true crane flies; its species are lustrous and black and yellow or red in color.

Segments of the flagella of males have three outgrowths each (two lower paired and the upper one unpaired).

The ovipositor of the female is unusually long, the valves being only slightly shorter than the cerci.

The wing colors also vary from smoky-black, brown, or brownish-yellow, to transparent.

Tanyptera species are a minor pest in Russia where they are sometimes harmful to forest products.