Sepedon pacifica
Cresson, 1914
Sepedon pacifica is a of marsh fly in the Sciomyzidae. Like other members of the Sepedon, it is a snail-killing fly with predatory larvae that feed on aquatic pulmonate snails. The species was described by Cresson in 1914. Marsh flies in this genus are recognized for their potential as biocontrol agents against snails that serve as intermediate for parasitic .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sepedon pacifica: /sɛˈpɛdɒn pæˈsɪfɪkə/
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Habitat
Aquatic and semi-aquatic environments including swampy areas, pond edges, stream and river banks, and drainage ditches. The requires standing or slow-moving water to support its snail prey.
Diet
The larvae are of aquatic pulmonate snails (air-breathing mollusks lacking an ). Specific prey records for S. pacifica have not been documented, though related Sepedon consume 8–50 snails per larva depending on size.
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae pass through three instars, with first and second instars requiring snails and third instars capable of taking larger prey. occurs in a boat-shaped, capsule-like that floats among organic matter at water margins. Adults are known to overwinter.
Behavior
Larvae hunt just beneath the water surface, suspended by water- hairs surrounding their . They attack snails lacking an (protective shell plate), avoiding that can seal themselves inside their shells. males have bowed hind tibiae and swollen, toothed hind used to embrace females during mating.
Ecological Role
of aquatic snails. Potential biocontrol agent for snails that schistosomes and livestock liver flukes, though field trials for related have shown mixed results.
Human Relevance
Investigated for of - snails in tropical regions where aquatic snails transmit schistosomiasis to humans and liver flukes to livestock.