Algal-mats
Guides
Hydroscaphidae
skiff beetles
Hydroscaphidae is a small family of water beetles in the suborder Myxophaga, commonly known as skiff beetles. The family contains approximately 23 species as of 2010, distributed across four genera. These beetles are highly specialized for life in thin films of water over algal surfaces.
Hypocharassus pruinosus
A marine dolichopodid fly inhabiting the intertidal zone. Larvae develop in decaying seaweed and algal mats in the supralittoral zone, with four larval instars before pupation. Adults are associated with the same marine coastal habitat. The species shows physiological adaptations to tolerate salinity and periodic submersion.
Paracoenia
shore flies
Paracoenia is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) found in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Species within this genus are associated with thermal springs, saline or alkaline lakes, and pond margins. Larvae develop in moist substrates at water edges, while adults and larvae feed on microorganisms including filamentous blue-green algae. The genus serves as an intermediate host for parasitic water mites and has been studied as an indicator of ecosystem stability in thermal environments.