Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults:

Immatures: saprophagous

North American
Species: 426

Diptera Ephydridae
Shore flies

Special Characteristics: Ephydridae are small to very small flies that are usually dark coloured. They vary greatly in shape and general appearance, but most species are compact and have a bulging face.

Comments: The aquatic larvae can tolerate extreme conditions and some live in very saline or alkaline water. They feed on decaying vegetation or mine in stems or leaves of aquatic plants. The adults are common around ponds and lakes or other muddy areas. Some adults feed on microscopic algae and other small organisms.

Species:
Ochthera sp.

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: Larvae and adults of Ochthera are predaceous on small arthropods.

Distribution:

Comments:
Adults of this genus are often found hunting along the edge of ponds.