Ephydridae
Guides
Allotrichoma
A genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) established by Becker in 1896. Species in this genus are recorded from Russia, including Volgograd Oblast, Saratov Oblast, and the Republic of Buryatia. The genus is part of the diverse ephydrid fauna associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.
Athyroglossa
Athyroglossa is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Loew in 1860. The genus contains at least 30 described species distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Norway and Sweden. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with moist or aquatic environments.
Athyroglossa glaphyropus
Athyroglossa glaphyropus is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Loew in 1878. The species is distributed in the United States and the Neotropical region. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Taxonomic status has varied in literature, with some sources listing it as a synonym while GBIF recognizes it as accepted.
Brachydeutera
Brachydeutera is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, containing approximately 16 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, where they occupy the hyponeustic zone—living just below the water surface. The genus was established by Loew in 1860 and has been documented across various regions with observations spanning multiple continents.
Brachydeutera argentata
shore fly, shorefly
Brachydeutera argentata is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Francis Walker in 1853. The species is known from the United States, where it inhabits moist shoreline environments. Shore flies in this family are typically small, compact dipterans associated with wet or aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'argentata' refers to a silvery appearance, likely describing some aspect of the adult coloration.
Brachydeutera neotropica
Brachydeutera neotropica is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Wirth in 1964. The genus Brachydeutera comprises small flies commonly found at the margins of aquatic habitats, where they feed on microbial films and organic matter at the water surface. The species epithet 'neotropica' indicates its occurrence in the Neotropical region. Like other members of its family, this species is associated with moist environments and plays a role in nutrient cycling at water-land interfaces.
Brachydeutera sturtevanti
Brachydeutera sturtevanti is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Wirth in 1964. It is characterized as a hyponeustic generalist, meaning it inhabits the water surface film of aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The species has been documented in the immature stages, with larvae adapted to life at the air-water interface.
Ceropsilopa
Ceropsilopa is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Cresson in 1917. These small flies are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus contains few described species and remains poorly known biologically.
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.
Clanoneurum
shore flies
Clanoneurum is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Becker in 1903. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across multiple continents, including C. americanum, C. cimiciforme, C. menozzii, and C. orientale. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Clanoneurum americanum
Clanoneurum americanum is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1940. The genus Clanoneurum belongs to a group of flies commonly associated with moist or shoreline habitats. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Coenia
Coenia is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains at least six described species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, including margins of water bodies and moist substrates.
Coenia curvicauda
shore fly
Coenia curvicauda is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae. The species was first described by Meigen in 1830, originally placed in the genus Ephydra. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Cressonomyia
Cressonomyia is a genus of shore flies (Ephydridae) established by Arnaud in 1958. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal available information on its biology, ecology, or species composition. Records indicate extremely limited observational data, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. Like other ephydrids, members of this genus are presumed to be associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details remain unverified.
Dichaeta caudata
Dichaeta caudata is a shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Fallén in 1813. The species develops in decaying organic matter, with larvae feeding on decomposing plant material. Adults are commonly found in moist habitats, particularly pond margins and other humid situations. The species is recorded from the Palearctic region, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Diclasiopa
Diclasiopa is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) established by Friedrich Hendel in 1917. The genus is poorly documented in the literature, with limited species-level information available. Records indicate presence in northern Europe (Norway, Sweden) and minimal observational data (19 iNaturalist records). As with other ephydrids, members likely inhabit moist or aquatic environments, though specific ecological details remain unverified.
Dimecoenia
shore flies
Dimecoenia is a genus of shore flies established by Cresson in 1916, comprising approximately 18 described species. Members of this genus belong to the family Ephydridae, a diverse group of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of ephydrid flies, though specific diagnostic traits distinguishing Dimecoenia from related genera require detailed examination.
Discomyza
Discomyza is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, first described by Meigen in 1830. The genus includes at least nine described species distributed across multiple continents. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with moist or aquatic habitats. Discomyza species have been recorded from Europe, Africa, and other regions.
Discomyza incurva
Discomyza incurva is a small shore fly in the family Ephydridae, measuring 2.5–3 mm in length. It is distributed across the Palearctic region, including Europe (particularly southern Europe), North Africa, and parts of western Asia. The species is active during summer months, with records from July through September. It inhabits grassland habitats and has been documented as a parasite of land snails in the genus Helix.
Discomyzinae
Discomyzinae is a subfamily of shore flies (family Ephydridae) containing approximately 15 genera divided between two tribes: Discomyzini and Psilopini. Members are small to minute true flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The subfamily is well-represented in global collections with over 2,200 documented observations, though many species remain poorly studied.
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.
Ephydrinae
shore flies
Ephydrinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae, first described by Zetterstedt in 1837. The subfamily contains four recognized tribes: Ephydrini, Scatellini, Parydrini, and Dagini. Members are commonly found in association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The group includes genera such as Ephydra, Scatella, and Parydra.
Gastrops
shore flies
Gastrops is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Williston in 1897. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Members of this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats typical of ephydrid flies.
Gastrops nebulosus
Gastrops nebulosus is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Coquillett in 1900. The genus Gastrops belongs to a group of flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Information regarding specific biology and ecology of this species remains limited in published literature.
Gymnomyzinae
shore flies
Gymnomyzinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae. The subfamily comprises approximately seven genera and nine described species. Members are classified into five tribes: Discocerinini, Gastropini, Gymnomyzini, Hecamedini, and Lipochaetini, plus the unplaced tribe Ochtherini. The genus Ochthera, with approximately 37 described species, is the most species-rich and well-known group within this subfamily.
Hecamede
Hecamede is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, first described by Haliday in 1837. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Japan. Species in this genus are associated with saline or alkaline wetland habitats. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, specifically a figure in Homer's Iliad.
Hyadina
Hyadina is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, tribe Hyadinini. The New Zealand fauna is now restricted to a single species, H. breva, following taxonomic revision. The genus is distinguished by structures of the male terminalia, which are taxonomically diagnostic.
Hyadina albovenosa
shore fly
Hyadina albovenosa is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. The specific epithet 'albovenosa' likely refers to white-veined wing characteristics. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats. This species has been documented across North America and Central America.
Hydrellia albilabris
Hydrellia albilabris is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. The genus Hydrellia comprises small flies commonly known as leaf-miner or aquatic shore flies, with many species associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Hydrellia albilabris is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as the island of Madeira. As a member of the Ephydridae, it likely inhabits moist environments near water bodies.
Hydrellia valida
Hydrellia valida is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Loew in 1862. Members of this genus are commonly known as leaf-miner flies, with larvae that develop within aquatic or semi-aquatic plant tissues. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hydrelliinae
Hydrelliinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae, comprising approximately 10 genera and at least 130 described species. These small flies are primarily associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The subfamily is distinguished by ecological and morphological traits that separate it from other ephydrid groups. Members are found across multiple continents with varying habitat preferences.
Ilythea caniceps
Ilythea caniceps is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1918. The species belongs to a genus of small flies associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. Shore flies in this family are generally recognized by their reduced wing venation and association with moist habitats.
Ilytheinae
shore flies
Ilytheinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae (order Diptera). The subfamily comprises two tribes: Ilytheini and Hyadinini, containing approximately 12 genera including Donaceus, Ilythea, Hyadina, and Nostima. Members of this subfamily are associated with moist or aquatic habitats, consistent with the broader ecology of Ephydridae.
Leptopsilopa atrimana
shore fly
Leptopsilopa atrimana is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with moist or aquatic environments. The species has been recorded across North America from Canada through the United States and Mexico to Guatemala.
Limnellia
Limnellia is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Malloch in 1925. These small dipterans are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The genus has been recorded from northern European countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other ephydrid flies, species in this genus likely develop in moist habitats with organic matter.
Limnellia anna
shore fly
Limnellia anna is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Cresson in 1935. It belongs to a family commonly associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. The species has been recorded in Canada and the United States, though detailed ecological and behavioral information remains limited.
Limnellia balioptera
A species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Wayne Mathis in 1978. Like other members of the genus Limnellia, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species name 'balioptera' refers to the distinctive wing markings.
Lytogaster excavata
Lytogaster excavata is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Sturtevant and Wheeler in 1954. The genus Lytogaster belongs to a group of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Records indicate this species has been documented in natural history collections, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Mosillus
Mosillus is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Latreille in 1804. These small flies are associated with coastal and shoreline habitats. The genus has documented records from Scandinavia and Denmark.
Mosillus tibialis
shore fly
Mosillus tibialis is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Cresson in 1916. The species is distributed across North America, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas, with introduced populations in the Hawaiian Islands. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet "tibialis" refers to a characteristic of the tibiae (leg segments), though the precise diagnostic feature is not detailed in available sources.
Nostima
Nostima is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Coquillett in 1900. These are minute flies measuring 0.72–1.72 mm in body length, characterized by distinctive microtomentum patterns on the body and wings. The genus contains 11 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with larvae occupying semiaquatic habitats where they feed on blue-green algae.
Nostima niveivenosa
A shore fly species in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1930. Found in the United States, including Hawaii, and the broader Neotropical region. As with other ephydrid flies, it is associated with moist or aquatic environments.
Paralimna thomae
Paralimna thomae is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Wiedemann in 1830. Very little is documented about this species beyond its taxonomic classification. The genus Paralimna belongs to a family of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain unreported.
Parydra
Parydra is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) comprising at least 70 described species. Species in this genus are associated with wet, muddy habitats, particularly the vegetated margins of ponds, marshes, and slow-moving water bodies. Larval development occurs in saturated substrates where larvae feed on algae and decaying organic matter. Adults are typically found near larval habitats and are most active during warmer months.
Parydra quadrituberculata
shore fly
Parydra quadrituberculata is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Loew in 1862. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'quadrituberculata' suggests four tubercles, likely referring to a diagnostic morphological feature. The species has been documented in scientific literature including a study of its immature stages.
Pelina
Pelina is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Haliday in 1837. It belongs to the order Diptera, which comprises the true flies. The genus is part of the diverse family Ephydridae, commonly known as shore flies or brine flies, which are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Pelina species are small flies, though specific morphological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Philygria
shore flies
Philygria is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Stenhammar in 1844. The genus contains at least 40 described species, with 44 species listed in major databases. These small flies are associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.
Philygria debilis
shore fly
Philygria debilis is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Loew in 1861. Shore flies in this family are generally small, often abundant insects associated with moist or aquatic habitats. The genus Philygria contains multiple species, though detailed biological information for P. debilis specifically remains limited in published literature.
Psilopa leucostoma
shore fly
Psilopa leucostoma is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, a group of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was described by Becker in 1907. It belongs to a genus of flies whose larvae typically develop in moist or saline environments. Adult shore flies are generally small with reduced wing venation.
Psilopa obscuripes
Psilopa obscuripes is a small shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Loew in 1860. It belongs to a genus of flies commonly associated with saline or mineral-rich aquatic habitats. The species is poorly documented, with minimal published biological information and few verified observations.