Shore Flies

Ephydridae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ephydridae: /ˌɛfəˈdɹɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Notiphila facialis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Notiphila pura by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Notiphila frontalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Notiphila facialis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Notiphila pura by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Notiphila frontalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Ephydridae, commonly known as shore flies or brine flies, are a family of tiny flies inhabiting aquatic and semiaquatic environments. They play significant roles in their ecosystems as both grazers and predators, with some species noted for their unique adaptations to extreme environments like crude oil and saline waters. Approximately 2,000 species have been described globally, with various ecological and economic significances.

Physical Characteristics

Minute to small flies (2.5-9 mm) with black or gray colorations. Wings may be patterned. Large mouth opening in some species, and a key characteristic for identification is the ratio of the vertical diameter of the eye to the height of the gena. Larvae in Notiphilini have reduced heads with spiny posterior spiracles.

Identification Tips

The ratio of the vertical diameter of eye and height of gena (face index) is widely used in species identification. Key literature includes works by Andersson (1971) and Becker (1926).

Habitat

Ephydridae are found in a variety of aquatic and semiaquatic habitats including maritime marshes, tidal salt pools, salt and alkaline lakes of arid regions, hot springs, petroleum pools, and among aquatic vegetation.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution including most of North America. Notable habitats include the shores of Great Salt Lake and Mono Lake in California, where specific species like Ephydra hians are abundant.

Diet

Larvae filter microorganisms such as bacteria, unicellular algae, and yeasts from surrounding medium. Some species are saprophagous, feeding on dead and decaying animal tissues, while others are predatory or herbivorous, grazing on algae or aquatic plants.

Life Cycle

Life cycles can vary widely; larvae live in moist soils, among or in aquatic plants, or even in extreme habitats such as crude oil. Some species undergo significant development near water surfaces or in hot springs.

Predators

Ochthera larvae are known predators, primarily on immature Chironomidae.

Ecosystem Role

Ephydridae contribute to aquatic ecosystems both as grazers of microorganisms and as prey for higher trophic levels. They also play a role in breaking down organic matter.

Economic Impact

Certain species may cause damage to agricultural crops, particularly those that are leaf miners or phytophagous.

Cultural Significance

Historically, Native Americans gathered puparia of some Ephydridae for food. They also serve as indicators of environmental quality in aquatic habitats.

Health Concerns

Some species may be associated with sewage systems and septic tanks, thus having potential public health significance.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Netting near aquatic habitats
  • Sweep netting among vegetation

Preservation Methods

  • Drying
  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation for larvae

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other small flies, but distinctive features such as the head structure of larvae help in identification.

Tags

  • shore flies
  • Ephydridae
  • marine insects
  • aquatic insects
  • brine flies