insect on apple tree

Question

I have a brownish sheer lacey winged insect about 1 1/2 small branch on my potted young apple tree. I noticed some leaves were partially eaten, others completely gone, and just pulled off a 3-4″ long brown caterpillar. There are tiny black oblong dots speckled on the tree. Could the winged creature be beneficial?

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Answer 1

I believe this to be a Crane Fly.

They are not a beneficial insect, but really are not harmful.

Here is a link with more information.

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-29_crane_flies.htm