Tiger Crane Fly

The Tiger Crane Fly (genus Nephrotoma) belongs to the family Tipulidae, or Large Crane Flies. (Incidentally, the Latin tipula means "water spider"). I recently encountered a specimen of what I believe to be Nephrotoma ferruginea, and fortunately it remained stationary long enough for me to get a few photos. The feature that struck me most was the incredible length of the legs. And yet the antennae are so abbreviated!

The two complete anal veins and the V-shaped suture in the thorax distinguish a crane fly from other flies. In a way, it can be likened to a giant mosquito, though it lacks the latter's infuriating bite.

References:
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/flies/craneflies/craneflies.htm (Fact Sheet for Crane Flies)
https://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg215.html
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/crane_fly.htm
http://bugguide.net/node/view/24962 (N. ferruginea)
http://bugguide.net/node/view/12486 (Nephrotoma)
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Nephrotoma+ferruginea
http://www.americaninsects.net/f/nephrotoma-ferruginea.html
http://www.hiscreation.com/node/959