the small knobbed filaments near the base of the wings, called halteres, are modified from a pair of wings and work like gyroscopes, telling the insect about rotation of the body during flight. i know i should be gushing about the beautiful veined cellophane wings, but i’m too busy geeking out about the advanced cockpit systems of this very ancient aircraft.

crane fly

found on my window screen, saint paul, minnesota