Tethina willistoni

Melander

Tethina willistoni is a small shore fly in the Canacidae, a group specialized for coastal and saline . The has been documented in Brazil (Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo states) and Hawaii, USA. Like other canacids, it is associated with intertidal zones and saline environments. The Tethina comprises approximately 40 species worldwide, most occurring in marine littoral habitats.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tethina willistoni: //tɛˈθaɪnə ˌwɪlɪˈstoʊnaɪ//

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Habitat

Coastal and intertidal zones; saline environments. The Canacidae is specialized for marine shore , with and larvae typically found in decaying seaweed, tidal wrack, and supralittoral zones.

Distribution

Brazil (states of Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, São Paulo) and Hawaii, USA. The Hawaiian occurrence represents either a natural or human-mediated introduction.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The name Tethina is derived from Tethys, the Greek sea goddess, reflecting the marine affinity of these flies. The specific epithet 'willistoni' honors the American entomologist Charles William Williston (1854-1916), known for his work on Diptera.

Family characteristics

Canacidae are small to minute flies (2-5 mm) with reduced wing venation and a characteristic 'humpbacked' . They are part of the superfamily Carnoidea and are most diverse in the Southern Hemisphere.