Hairy kelp fly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chaetocoelopa littoralis |
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Chaetocoelopa littoralis, commonly known as the hairy kelp fly, is a fly of the family Coelopidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. These flies are black in appearance and show large variation in size, with males tending to be larger and more robust and 'hairy' than females. C. littoralis can also be observed resting on surfaces including cliff faces and driftwood in large aggregations.
Life history
Like other species in the family Coelopidae, C. littoralis inhabit beds of decaying seaweed and kelp (wrack) washed up on the coast. Adult flies mate within the wrack beds, and females lay their eggs onto the wrack. Their larvae feed on the decaying algae and its associated microorganisms.
Distribution
C. littoralis are found throughout New Zealand's coast, including offshore islands.
