Oedoparena nigrifrons

Oedoparena nigrifrons
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Diptera
Family:	Dryomyzidae
Genus:	Oedoparena
Species:	O. nigrifrons
Binomial name
Oedoparena nigrifrons Mathis and Steyskal, 1980 [1]

Oedoparena nigrifrons is a coastal fly from the family Dryomyzidae. it is the only known dipterous predator of barnacles. ^[1]

Distribution

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

Ecology

The ecology of this species is unknown, but it is suspected that it is the same as or similar to Oedoparena glauca where Eggs are deposited on the operculum of barnacle and fly larvae consume several barnacles during their development. Pupation then takes place in a now empty barnacle shell. The adult flies emerge during the morning low tide. Adults of Oedoparena glauca, and Oedoparena nigrifrons are found together in the same habit. ^[1] It is possible that other members of the genus Oedoparena may have a similar lifestyle. ^{[2] [3]}

References

1. Mathis, W.N.; Steyskal, G.C. (1980). "A revision of the genus Oedoparena Curran (Diptera: Dryomyzidae; Dryomyzinae)". Proe. entomol. Soc. Wash. (Print). 82. Washington, U.S.: 349–359.
2. Suwa, Masaaki (1981). "Description of a new Japanese species of Oedoparena, an Asio-American dipterous genus (Dryomyzidae)" (PDF). Insecta Matsumurana. New Series. 20. Hokkaido, Japan: Hokkaido University: 29–35. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
3. 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.