Although similar in general form to the commoner ‘daddy long-legs’, the Spotted Cranefly is much more distinctively marked, and can be readily recognised. It is common and widespread, and can occur in a variety of habitats such as woods, old pastures, roadside verges, parks and gardens, though it is much less likely to enter houses than the daddy long-legs. The larvae are known as leatherjackets, though they are rarely as damaging as the Tipula larvae.

Similar in form to other craneflies, but with a yellow body marked with black, especially on the thorax and abdomen. The female has a pointed red tip to the abdomen. The larvae feed on the roots of plants.