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Ephydra
brine flies, alkali flies
Ephydra is a genus of shore flies (Ephydridae) with cosmopolitan distribution. Several species are notable for inhabiting extreme environments, including hypersaline lakes and hot springs. The genus includes the alkali fly (Ephydra hians), which forms dense populations in alkaline lakes such as Mono Lake, California, and serves as a critical food source for migratory birds. Larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic, with morphological adaptations for feeding and respiration in mineral-rich waters.