The marsh crane fly (Tipula oleracea) is a species of cranefly found throughout the Palaearctic and parts of the Nearctic.

[1][2] A usually greyish species, but abdomen occasionally ferruginous and often with a blackish median and/or lateral longitudinal stripe.

Small swarms, which probably serve as pairing formations are formed in the evening hours when they fly close to the ground over meadows and fields.

Wet meadows offer this possibility, but also gardens and cultural areas are ideal for egg-laying.

As a female can lay eggs up to 1200 and often up to 400 larvae may live in a square metre, mass attacks can damage crops.

The larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter, but also on delicate roots and can cause damage in crops like cabbage.