Ilythea spilota
(Curtis, 1832)
shore fly
Ilythea spilota is a Holarctic in the Ephydridae. are found along shorelines of small streams. Larvae feed on pinnate diatoms and construct protective cases from sand grains and detritus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ilythea spilota: /ɪˈlaɪθiə spaɪˈloʊtə/
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Images
Habitat
Margins of small streams, along shorelines.
Distribution
Holarctic: Canada, United States, and Europe (including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden).
Diet
Larvae consume pinnate diatoms.
Life Cycle
Larvae form protective cases by fastening sand grains and detritus to their surfaces immediately after hatching.
More Details
Larval case construction
Newly hatched larvae actively construct protective coverings using environmental materials.