Coelopina
Malloch, 1933
kelp flies
Species Guides
1Coelopina is a of kelp flies in the Coelopidae, established by Malloch in 1933. The genus contains at least one described , Coelopina anomala. Kelp flies in this family are generally associated with decaying seaweed and marine coastal environments. Very few observations of this genus exist in biodiversity databases.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coelopina: //ˌsiːloʊˈpaɪnə//
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Identification
Members of Coelopina can be distinguished from other coelopid by features of the tribe Glumini. The single described Coelopina anomala was originally described from New Zealand. Identification to species level requires examination of morphological characters not specified in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with marine coastal environments, particularly where decaying seaweed (kelp) accumulates. The type was described from New Zealand, suggesting a temperate marine distribution.
Distribution
Known from New Zealand based on the type locality of Coelopina anomala. Distribution data is extremely limited with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Ecological Role
As with other kelp flies, likely contributes to decomposition of marine in coastal . The precise ecological role of this has not been documented.
Similar Taxa
- CoelopaAnother in Coelopidae; Coelopina is distinguished by tribal placement in Glumini versus Coelopini for Coelopa
- MalacomyiaOther in tribe Glumini; separation requires detailed morphological examination
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Malloch in 1933. The single included Coelopina anomala was originally described by Cole in 1923 under a different genus before transfer to Coelopina.
Data deficiency
This is poorly represented in biodiversity databases, with minimal specimen records and ecological observations available.