Kelp
Guides
Coelopidae
kelp flies, seaweed flies
Coelopidae, commonly known as kelp flies or seaweed flies, is a small family of acalyptrate Diptera containing fewer than 40 species worldwide. These flies are specialized inhabitants of temperate seashore wrack zones, where their larvae develop in decaying seaweed. The family exhibits notable sexual dimorphism and complex mating behaviors involving scramble competition and sexual conflict. Coelopidae are significant decomposers in coastal ecosystems and can reach enormous biomass in their specialized habitat.
Heterocheila
half-bridge flies
Heterocheila is a genus of acalyptrate flies comprising the monotypic family Heterocheilidae. The genus contains two described species: Heterocheila buccata (Palearctic distribution across North America and Eurasia) and Heterocheila hannai (restricted to the northeastern USA and Pacific Northwest coasts). These flies are specialized inhabitants of temperate seashores, where adults and larvae feed on stranded kelp in the wrack zone.