San-francisco-bay
Guides
Fucellia thinobia
Cormorant Fly, Kelp Fly
Fucellia thinobia is a small fly in the family Anthomyiidae known primarily from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Despite being commonly called a "kelp fly," it has no association with kelp; rather, it develops in purge-soaked soil beneath dead cormorants in island rookeries. The species was the focus of intensive research by UC Davis forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey beginning in 2007, who demonstrated its strict dependence on cormorant carcass sites. Its localized distribution and specialized breeding habitat make it a notable example of island endemism among dipterans.
Trichocorixa reticulata
water boatman
Trichocorixa reticulata is a water boatman (family Corixidae) inhabiting saline and hypersaline aquatic environments. The species exhibits exceptional osmotic tolerance, surviving salinities from freshwater to full seawater (~3.5%). Populations show synchronized annual breeding cycles with peak reproduction in May-July. Females are larger than males, and eggs are deposited on solid substrates including algae and pool surfaces. Both adults and nymphs function as predators and scavengers.