Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A tattered Crane Fly sleeps on the floret buds of Meadow Hawkweed.

The Crane Fly, often mistaken for a mosquito, is a harmless insect with an awkward clumsiness. They can get caught in places that tatter the wings and long legs. This one must have had a rough night as I captured it in the early morning with the sun peaking through the trees. It found a comfortable resting spot in a patch of meadow hawkweed with its legs stretched out.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Cumberland, Maryland, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Copyright: © Marta Fiscus