Other Common Names
Brine Flies (at least the ones living in salt water)
Explanation of Names
EPHYDRIDAE: "living on the water" - from the Greek "epi" (on, upon) + "hydor" (water)
Numbers
462 species in 70 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
Most species blackish and relatively small or very small. The face sometimes bulges outward anteriorly.
Range
Throughout US and southern Canada.
Habitat
Streams, rivers, ponds, marshes, alkaline lakes, and the seashore.
Food
Some larvae are leaf miners. Can be pests of watercress and rice.
Life Cycle
Most larvae live in fresh water; some (example Ephydra) live in salt water.
Remarks
One California species lives in crude petroleum pools, and a few species of Hydrellia live in stems, or mine leaves of aquatic plants. Shore Flies are an important food item for waterfowl. (How to Know the Insects by Roger Bland; 1978).
Along the shores of Great Salt Lake they may rise in clouds from the ground. Indians used to gather the puparia for food.
Internet References
pinned adult images and other info (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota).
Contributed by
Beatriz Moisset on 29 December, 2004 - 12:45pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeodLast updated 18 February, 2008 - 9:26am
