BIOLOGY OF SHORE FLIES

Information is given on the habitat distribution, larval feeding habit s, and economic roles of the dipterous family Ephydridae. This family has broad ecological tolerances and is commonly encountered in such ph ysiologically stressful habitats as oil pools, inland alkaline and sal ine marshes, hot springs, and cold thermal springs, and coastal salt m arshes and mangrove swamps. Other ephydrid species occur in freshwater marshes, moist to xeric grasslands, muddy and sandy shores, and rocky substrates along streams and lakes. Larvae display adaptive radiation in their use of particulate food substrates, with different groups of species feeding on Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), algae, detritus, and decomposing carcasses. A few species are predators, whereas other s are leaf miners. Economically, certain species are pests in greenhou ses and others damage crops such as rice and sugar beets. Other specie s are being investigated as agents of biological control of aquatic we eds.