Brine-fly
Guides
Cirrula hians
Alkali Fly
Cirrula hians, commonly known as the alkali fly, is a brine fly in the family Ephydridae. This species is notable for its association with alkaline and saline aquatic habitats. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the name Ephydra hians. It has been documented in 474 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public awareness and detectability. The species serves as an important food source for migratory birds and has been historically harvested by Indigenous peoples of the Mono Lake region.
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.
Ephydra gracilis
Brine Fly
Ephydra gracilis is a species of brine fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Packard in 1871. The species is placed in the subgenus Halephydra within the genus Ephydra. Brine flies in this genus are typically associated with saline or alkaline aquatic habitats. The species has been recorded from Hawaii.