Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Flies aggregating at salty creek --> Ephydridae, cf. Halmopota salinaria

Posted by Tina S on 09-12-2020 03:13
#1
Hello everyone,

last October I watched flies in conspicuous densities at a salty creek (foot of a Potash mountain, salt mining). Unfortunately, I couldn't get nearer (I sank in almost to my knees, a friend had to pull me out of this mud!). Despite this, can you say something to these flies? Are they maybe associated to the salty water?

Data: Germany, Lower saxony, Sehnde, Kaliberg, 60 m, 10 October 2020.

Best wishes,
Tina.
Edited by Tina S on 09-12-2020 21:05

Posted by Tina S on 09-12-2020 03:14
#2
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Posted by Tina S on 09-12-2020 03:14
#3
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Posted by Roger Thomason on 09-12-2020 10:30
#4
Ephydridae, some Hydrellia sp I would think...

Posted by Tony Irwin on 09-12-2020 12:26
#5
They do look like Ephydridae, but I think it is more likely that they are Halmopota salinaria

Posted by Tina S on 09-12-2020 21:08
#6
Thank you Roger and Tony, this is more than I'd been hoping for!

Halmopota salinaria sounds like it would need the salty water? Do they reproduce inside the water or mud?

Best wishes and thank you in advance,
Tina.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 10-12-2020 15:11
#7
Sadly, it's not a species I've found, but my understanding is that the larvae live in mud or slime, probably feeding on algae like diatoms and desmids. They are associated with saline conditions, and I don't think they occur in any freshwater habitats.