The members of this genus are sometimes collectively called common crane flies.

Tipula maggots are sometimes known as "leather jackets" due to their tough skin.

[1] Technical description: Discal cell present; M3 arises from M4; all tibiae spurred Antennae with whorls of long hairs.

Rs usually long; Sc ends far from base of Rs; cell 4 always petiolate; body colour usually grey, brown or dull yellow, rarely black; praescutal stripes (when present) usually dull, rarely slightly shining.

[citation needed] Species of Tipula can be affected by fungal diseases, such as Zoophthora porteri, found in Tennessee, USA.