Family: Ephydridae, Shore Flies view all from this family

Description The Brine Fly is a member of the shore fly family (family Ephydridae). These blackish flies, up to 1/4" (6 mm) long, are abundant along the edges of ponds and lakes and at the seashore. They differ from seaweed flies in being smaller and not flattened, having fewer bristles, and running on the surface of the water rather than swarming at seaweed. The adults are predatory, seizing small insects that have fallen on the surface of the water. The larvae feed on decaying vegetation in the water or tunnel into the stems and leaves of aquatic plants.