Pherbellia schoenherri
This record describes Pherbellia schoenherri (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A distinctive species whose prominently spotted wings separate it from others within the genus. The thorax and abdomen are grey-brown. The mid-frontal strip (section of the frons containing the ocelli) can reach to the front edge of the frons. Wing length 3.4-4.6mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats but shows a preference for damp, well-vegetated areas, especially by small bodies of water. Mainly April to October but it can be found in any month of the year. The females lay her eggs on the shells of snails in the family Succineidae (amber snails). The resultant larvae live as an internal parasitoid, consuming the host and pupating within the shell. Only one larva may complete its development in each snail. Widespread in Wales and southern and central England. Less common in northern England and Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Pherbellia schoenherri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pherbellia_schoenherri.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Sciomyzidae (Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies)
- Tribe
- Sciomyzini
- Genus
- Pherbellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats but shows a preference for damp, well-vegetated areas, especially by small bodies of water.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly April to October but it can be found in any month of the year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The females lay her eggs on the shells of snails in the family Succineidae (amber snails). The resultant larvae live as an internal parasitoid, consuming the host and pupating within the shell. Only one larva may complete its development in each snail.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Wales and southern and central England. Less common in northern England and Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pherbellia schoenherri. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pherbellia schoenherri (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pherbellia schoenherri
What is Pherbellia schoenherri?
Pherbellia schoenherri is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Pherbellia schoenherri found?
Habitat: This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats but shows a preference for damp, well-vegetated areas, especially by small bodies of water.
When is Pherbellia schoenherri active?
Pherbellia schoenherri: seasonal activity - Mainly April to October but it can be found in any month of the year..
What is the life cycle of a Pherbellia schoenherri?
The females lay her eggs on the shells of snails in the family Succineidae (amber snails). The resultant larvae live as an internal parasitoid, consuming the host and pupating within the shell. Only one larva may complete its development in each snail.