This chapter presents an overview of the numerous genera of insects capable of surviving in saline water, including information on their distribution, ecology and physiology. Detailed description is provided of the two families of insects that have been most intensively studied, namely the mosquitoes (Culicidae) and the brine flies (Ephydridae). The life histories of these groups are well known and the mechanisms of salt and water balance have been examined in considerable detail. Evidence is presented that the primitive condition in mosquitoes is restriction to freshwater. Invasion of saline waters has occurred frequently (at least six times) in the family Culicidae, but the number of species capable of surviving in saline water is small (about 5%of all known mosquito species). The physiological modifications supporting these invasions are discussed.
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