Oedoparena glauca is a common coastal fly from the family Dryomyzidae. It is the only known dipterous predator of barnacles.[1]

Oedoparena glauca
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Dryomyzidae
Genus: Oedoparena
Species:
O. glauca
Binomial name
Oedoparena glauca

Distribution

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This is a Nearctic fly occurring from Central California to Alaska.[1][2]

Ecology

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Eggs are deposited on the operculum of barnacle and fly larvae consume several barnacles during their development. Pupariation then takes place in an empty barnacle shell. The adult flies emerge during the morning low tide.[1] It is possible that other members of the genus Oedoparena may have a similar lifestyle.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Burger, J.F.; Anderson, J.R.; Knudsen, M.F. (1980). "The habits and life history of Oedoparena glauca (Diptera: Dryomyzidae), a predator of barnacles". Proe. Entomol. Soc. Wash. (Print). 82: 360–377.
  2. ^ Mathis, W.N.; Steyskal, G.C. (1980). "A revision of the genus Oedoparena Curran (Diptera: Dryomyzidae; Dryomyzinae)". Proe. Entomol. Soc. Wash. (Print). 82: 349–359.
  3. ^ Suwa, Masaaki (1981). "Description of a new Japanese species of Oedoparena, an Asio-American dipterous genus (Dryomyzidae)" (pdf). Insecta Matsumurana. New Series. 20: 29–35.