Kelp Fly

Scientific Name:
Coelopidae
Description

These very small (a few millimeters long) flying insects feed on rotting, beached kelp, also known as kelp “wrack.”

Behaviors

Although kelp flies feed primarily on algae, they will also scavenge on dead animal matter and prey on smaller crabs and snails.

Fun Facts

When larvae (babies), kelp flies live in the sand below the drying kelp. They are a common meal for shorebirds that feed on the beach.

Nature Topics
Wildlife and Birds, Animals

Habitat

Feeding

Close-up macro photograph of a kelp fly showing its large brown compound eyes, bristly body, and slender legs on rotting beached kelp.

Photo credit: ©Kip Evans

Kelp Fly eats