Limonia phragmitidis is a delicate limoniid crane fly found across the Palearctic realm. Measuring just 8 to 9 mm in length, this species looks quite different from giant garden crane flies, folding its wings neatly over its back when resting. It features a warm, reddish-yellow or pale orange body that contrasts beautifully with a soft grey head. True to its preference for damp, shady habitats, this harmless insect thrives near marshes, swampy woods, and humus-rich leaf litter. Its larvae develop in wet organic soil and decaying vegetation, playing a vital role in breaking down plant matter to enrich the forest floor. Adults are short-lived and most active during late spring, particularly in May and June. When I spotted this tiny fly at a campsite in Finland, right near the Swedish border, I was convinced I was photographing a common mosquito. It was only later, while zooming into the high-resolution photo on my screen, that the unmistakable, gentle face of a crane fly revealed itself!