- 445 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Ephydridae |
Identification Tips:
• Body length 1-14 mm
• Body form variable, but most commonly
• Cylindrical with front tapering to cone
• Head not visible, except hardened parts inside first body segment
• Pair of prolegs on each of 8 segments, with rear pair larger
• Sturdy tail-like extension from rear of body contains retractable breathing tube
• May be exceptionally abundant in some places
Life History:
• Different species found in all aquatic habitats including salt marshes
• Also alkaline lakes, salt lakes, hot springs, and tar pits
• Larvae often found burrowing in algae mats or plant debris on shores
• Consume plant material, bacteria, fungi algae and decaying organic matter
• Pupae float with tubes projecting above the surface for breathing air
• Important in diet of shorebirds, waterfowl and other species
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | Some | Some | ||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
