Ephydridae

Zetterstedt, 1837

shore flies, brine flies

Subfamily Guides

5

is a of small to minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as or brine flies. The family comprises approximately 2,000 described worldwide. are typically found near aquatic including seashores, inland waters, hot springs, salt pools, and alkaline lakes. The family exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, with larvae occupying habitats ranging from freshwater to hypersaline environments, including the unique case of Helaeomyia petrolei whose larvae develop in naturally occurring crude petroleum.

Discomyza incurva by (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Ephydra by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Lipochaeta slossonae by (c) Bennett Grappone, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bennett Grappone. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ephydridae: /ˌɛfəˈdɹɪdiː/

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Habitat

are found near seashores, inland waters, ponds, hot springs, petroleum pools, salt pools, alkaline lakes, and marshes. Larvae develop in moist soils, aquatic vegetation, and water surfaces. Some inhabit extreme environments including hot springs exceeding 45°C, crude oil pools, and highly saline waters.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with approximately 2,000 described .

Diet

are phytophagous, feeding on microscopic and bacteria, or predatory. Larvae exhibit diverse feeding habits: phytophagous (grazing on aquatic plants including cultivated rice), algal grazers, saprophagous, or predatory.

Life Cycle

Larvae progress through three instars before pupating. In Ochthera , to development takes approximately 16-21 days under laboratory conditions, with larval stages lasting 7-11 days and pupal stage 7-10 days.

Ecological Role

Some serve as important food sources for other animals. Certain species cause damage to agricultural crops. Larvae of Trimerina are predatory.

Human Relevance

Some have public health significance through association with sewage filter beds and septic tanks. Several species are agricultural pests, particularly those damaging rice crops. The brine fly Ephydra hians forms vast at Mono Lake and has been used as a food source by local tribes.

Sources and further reading