Sepedomerus macropus
(Walker, 1849)
Liverfluke Snail Predator Fly
A marsh fly in the Sciomyzidae, native to the American tropics and subtropics. The larvae are specialized of lymnaeid pond snails, which serve as intermediate for the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica. The has been intentionally introduced to Hawaii, Guam, and Thailand as a agent for snail of fascioliasis. In Hawaii, introduced have become , threatening native lymnaeid snail species including the endangered Newcomb's snail.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sepedomerus macropus: /ˌsɛpɛˈdɒmərəs ˈmækroʊpʌs/
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Habitat
Marsh environments; associated with freshwater containing lymnaeid snails
Distribution
Native to the American tropics and subtropics; introduced to Hawaii, Guam, and Thailand
Diet
Larvae are of lymnaeid pond snails; diet not documented
Host Associations
- Lymnaeidae - preylarval food source; includes snail of Fasciola gigantica
- Newcomb's snail - preyendangered native Hawaiian lymnaeid threatened by introduced S. macropus
Life Cycle
Larval stage predatory on snails; complete with , larva, pupa, and stages
Ecological Role
of freshwater snails; agent for snail of fascioliasis; threat to native snail biodiversity in introduced range
Human Relevance
Used as a agent to reduce of lymnaeid snails that transmit Fasciola gigantica, a liver fluke affecting humans and livestock; introduction to Hawaii has caused conservation concerns for native snail
Similar Taxa
- Other Sepedomerus speciescongeneric marsh flies with similar and ; S. macropus distinguished by distribution and specific snail ecology
- Other Sciomyzidae-level similarity in marsh fly ; S. macropus distinguished by specialized lymnaeid snail and tropical American native range
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Sepedon macropus by Walker in 1849, later transferred to Sepedomerus
Conservation impact
In Hawaii, introductions have resulted in unintended consequences, with S. macropus threatening the survival of native lymnaeid including the federally endangered Newcomb's snail (Erinna newcombi)