Shore-fly
Guides
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 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.
Ceratinostoma ostiorum
Large Shore Dung Fly
Ceratinostoma ostiorum is a shore fly in the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as the Large Shore Dung Fly. It occurs in coastal habitats of northwestern Europe, where it has been recorded from Belgium, the British Isles, Norway, and Sweden. The species belongs to a small genus of dung-associated flies that inhabit intertidal and shoreline environments.
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 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.
Diasemocera petrolei
Petroleum Fly
Diasemocera petrolei, commonly known as the Petroleum Fly, is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae. It is notable for its association with petroleum seeps and asphalt deposits, where it completes its entire life cycle in pools of crude oil. The species was described by Coquillett in 1899 and represents an extreme example of adaptation to harsh chemical environments.
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.
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.
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.
Hexacola neoscatellae
Hexacola neoscatellae is a parasitoid wasp in the family Figitidae (subfamily Eucoilinae) known to attack shore flies. The species has been recorded as a parasitoid of Scatella stagnalis, a shore fly species associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. Its first Canadian record was documented in the Great Lakes region, where it was identified as a potential biological control agent for managing shore fly populations in greenhouse and nursery settings.
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
hydrilla leaf mining flies (unofficial, for some species)
Hydrellia is a large genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) comprising more than 240 described species. The genus is notable for containing aquatic leaf-mining species whose larvae develop inside the tissues of submerged aquatic plants. Several species, particularly H. pakistanae and H. balciunasi, have been introduced to North America as biological control agents against the invasive aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata. Other species, such as H. tarsata, mine leaves of Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) in Eurasian freshwater systems.
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.
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.
Ilythea spilota
shore fly
Ilythea spilota is a Holarctic shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Adults are found along shorelines of small streams. Larvae feed on pinnate diatoms and construct protective cases from sand grains and detritus.
Lemnaphila
duckweed miner flies
Lemnaphila is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, commonly known as duckweed miner flies. The genus was established by Cresson in 1933 and contains seven described species distributed in the Neotropical region. At least one species, L. neotropica, is known to mine duckweeds (Lemna species), creating distinctive feeding damage on these aquatic plants. The genus has attracted attention due to the economic and ecological significance of its association with duckweed communities.
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 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.
Lipochaeta slossonae
Lipochaeta slossonae is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Coquillett in 1896. It belongs to a genus of small flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is rarely encountered, with limited observational records.
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 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 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.
Ochthera
Mantid Shoreflies
Ochthera is a genus of predatory shore flies (Ephydridae) distinguished by raptorial forelegs modified for seizing prey. Adults and larvae are exclusively predatory, feeding on midge and mosquito larvae. The genus has a global distribution with approximately 37-55 species, including 13 species in North America. Some species have documented significance as predators of disease vectors, including African malaria vectors.
Ochthera anatolikos
Ochthera anatolikos is a small predatory shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Adults and larvae are both predatory, with raptorial forelegs adapted for seizing prey. The species occurs in shallow aquatic habitats across North America, where it feeds on small insects and their larvae. It was described by Clausen in 1977.
Ochthera lauta
Ochthera lauta is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species belongs to a genus known for predatory behavior on small insects near aquatic habitats. It has been documented in the United States, West Indies, and Central America.
Ochthera mantis
mantis fly, mantis shore fly
Ochthera mantis is a predatory shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Charles De Geer in 1776. The species is notable for its raptorial forelegs, which are modified for seizing prey and resemble those of praying mantises—hence its common name. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with adults hunting small insects along shorelines and larvae feeding aquatically on midge and mosquito larvae. It is a Holarctic species with a limited distribution in Europe.
Paracoenia bisetosa
Paracoenia bisetosa is a shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Its immature stages develop in microbial mats composed of cyanobacteria and algae. The species was first described as Coenia bisetosa by Coquillett in 1902.
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.
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.
Scatella arizonensis
Scatella arizonensis is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1935. The genus Scatella comprises small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. As a member of the Ephydridae, this species is part of a diverse family of true flies adapted to various wet environments. Very few specific details are documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Scatella picea
shore fly
Scatella picea is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Walker in 1849 as Ephydra picea. The species is notable for its larval feeding ecology, which has been experimentally studied. Larvae feed on algae and show differential utilization efficiency across algal taxa, with notably poor ability to use blue-green algae compared to some coexisting ephydrid species.
Scatella stagnalis
shore fly
Scatella stagnalis is a small shore fly in the family Ephydridae. It has been documented in both natural coastal habitats and artificial greenhouse environments, where it develops in moist, algae-rich substrates. The species is known as a pest in greenhouse agriculture, particularly in rockwool cultivation systems. Its life cycle has been studied under controlled temperature conditions, with development from egg to adult taking 10–16 days depending on temperature.
Scatophila
shore fly
Scatophila is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) in the tribe Scatellini. The genus contains at least 26 Nearctic species, with additional species distributed across the Palearctic. Three new species were described from the Nearctic in 2021: S. angusta, S. bolwigi, and S. mystacina. Five species (S. contaminata, S. cribrata, S. iowana, S. mesogramma, and S. unicornis) have Holarctic distributions.
Tethina milichioides
Tethina milichioides is a small fly species in the family Canacidae, first described by Melander in 1913. It belongs to a genus of shore flies commonly associated with coastal and saline environments. The species name 'milichioides' refers to its resemblance to members of the family Milichiidae.
Tethina parvula
Tethina parvula is a small species of shore fly in the family Canacidae, originally described as Rhicnoessa parvula by Loew in 1869. The species belongs to the subfamily Tethininae, a group of flies typically associated with coastal and marine environments. It is among the least documented species in its genus, with minimal published biological or ecological information available.
Tethina willistoni
Tethina willistoni is a small shore fly in the family Canacidae, a group specialized for coastal and saline habitats. The species has been documented in Brazil (Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo states) and Hawaii, USA. Like other canacids, it is associated with intertidal zones and saline environments. The genus Tethina comprises approximately 40 species worldwide, most occurring in marine littoral habitats.
Trimerina madizans
shore fly
Trimerina madizans is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae. The species was described by Fallén in 1813. Larvae are specialized predators of spider eggs, an unusual feeding strategy among Diptera. It occurs across northern and central Europe.
Typopsilopa nigra
Typopsilopa nigra is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Williston in 1896. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with moist habitats including shorelines, wetlands, and aquatic environments. The specific epithet 'nigra' refers to its dark coloration. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only a single observation recorded on iNaturalist.
Zeros flavipes
Zeros flavipes is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Williston in 1896. As a member of the order Diptera, it possesses the characteristic single pair of wings and halteres typical of true flies. The specific epithet 'flavipes' refers to yellow legs, a trait that may aid in identification. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.