THE LIFE-HISTORY AND IMMATURE STAGES OF A MARINE SHORE FLY, HECAMEDE-ALBICANS (DIPTERA, EPHYDRIDAE)

The coastal marine habitat distribution and life cycle of Hecamede albicans (Diptera: Ephydridae) are described for the first time. In vitro, H. albicans completed development on putrefying Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) in 10-15 days. Hecamede albicans eggs are also described for the first time, and previous descriptions of the third-instar larva and puparium are augmented and/or modified. Differences in third-instar larval and puparial length ranges suggest that the quality and quantity of nutrient resources may affect morphometric parameters.