Dipterists Forum Identification workshop: British Ephydridae

Species in the genus Hydrellia, as well as Notiphila brunipes, Clanoneurum cimiciforme and Diasemocera leucostoma are phytophagous, mining in the leaves or stems. Most of these feed on aquatic, wetland or saltmarsh plants.

Larvae of most Notiphila species live in oxygen-deficient sub-aquatic mud where they use their specialised spiracles to obtain oxygen from the submerged parts of emergent aquatic monocotyledonous plants including bulrushes (Typha spp.), sweet-grasses (Glyceria spp.) and rushes (Juncus spp.).

Other larval substrates include dead snails (Discomyza incurva); the egg masses of wetland spiders (Trimerina madizans); the burrows of ground nesting birds, such as Sand Martin, and mammals (Philygria semialata); strandline seaweed (Hecamede albicans) and, in a non-UK species (Gastrops), the foam nests of tropical frogs.

Early instar larvae of Ochthera mantis are known to be obligate predators of Chironomidae larvae. Later instars are more generalist predators of aquatic insect larvae.

The larvae of some genera including Hyadina and Philygria are specialised consumers of aquatic or edaphic cyanobacteria.

While Ephydridae are mainly beneficial, some species have been recorded as pests in crops and greenhouses (Hydrellia spp.) and some are found associated with sewage filtration beds (Scatella spp.). Teichomyza fusca is associated with cesspits, urine-soaked materials and cadavers at the stage when nutritious liquids ooze from collapsing tissues. The puparia are often encountered in numbers during archaeological excavations and indicate the location of middens and cesspits. The larvae of a species of Hecamede have been recorded from foul sand beneath a human corpse.

Some Ephydridae are extremophiles, developing in harsh environments, these include Ephydra species in highly saline brine as well as non-UK species that develop in hot springs and one species that develops in petroleum pools.

Adults are usually found, sometimes in very large numbers, on or near the soil in humid or wet habitats. Most adult Ephydridae feed on microscopic organisms. Adult Ochthera are voracious predators of smaller invertebrates and species of Hydrellia have been observed displaying predatory and scavenging behaviours.

David Gibbs

Based in southwest England, Dave is a lifelong naturalist and has worked as a freelance survey entomologist for over 40 years. While working predominantly on Hymenoptera (Bees and Wasps) and Diptera (True Flies) he also takes an interest in all other groups. Of the Diptera Dave has a particular interest in Bombyliidae (Beeflies) and Pipunculidae. During survey work Ephydridae are frequently sampled and are an important component of wetland habitats. Dave has dedicated time to understanding this little studied group and has added several species to the British list over the years.

Sam Thomas

Sam is a Dipterist and Botanist with a particular interest in the families Ephydridae, Chloropidae and Anthomyiidae. Sam has been developing his knowledge of flies over the last few years and has published several papers in Dipterists Digest. He is currently based on the south coast in Hampshire.

The Dipterists Forum – Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

Affiliated to the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS)

The Dipterists Forum was established to encourage and support all aspects of the study of flies, such as their identification, taxonomy, behaviour, ecology, recording and conservation.  Each spring a workshop is held at Preston Montford to train people in the identification and biology of a selected fly group.

The Forum offers a small number of bursaries for this event, awarded on a competitive basis. Each bursary covers half the total cost including accommodation costs. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please see the details on the Forum website.

Friday evening

Introductory lecture on the Ecology of the group, with tips for collecting and studying Ephydridae.

Saturday

Presentations giving an overview of the fauna and key taxonomic features will take place after breakfast and after lunch.  The rest of the day will be given over to practical identification of specimens.

Sunday

Practical identification of specimens.

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  Expert Tuition
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  Free Wi-Fi
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  Full Board Accommodation
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  Hot and Cold Drinks
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  In Course Transport
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  Picnic Lunch