Discomyza maculipennis

Natural history and identification

Discomyza maculipennis is a widespread shore fly associated with organic debris. Published observations record its larvae developing in dead land snails and other small carrion, including mollusks on Guam. This is a scavenging association with dead animals, not evidence that it parasitizes living Kauaʻi snails. Its Hawaiian introduction record fits a much broader range across the Indo-Pacific and other tropical regions.

Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence

Atlas occurrence category: Present. Bishop Museum checklist treatment records Kauaʻi occurrence.

Evidence limits

The cited observations describe the evidence currently available for this account. They do not establish a complete life history or a measured current Kauaʻi population trend.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Discomyza maculipennis

Family

Ephydridae

Order

Diptera

Record type

species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Introduced

Conservation status

Not assessed

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal description

Discomyza maculipennis is a widespread shore fly associated with organic debris.

Sources and further reading

• Bishop Museum terrestrial arthropod checklist
• Natural history and identification — species source