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Classification Order: Diptera – true flies Family: Sciomyzidae - Marsh flies

Length 6-7mm.

Phenology

May - October, peaks June.

Identification

Has long, forward-pointing antennae, characteristice of the family. Wing pattern definitive for species

Life Cycle

Marsh Flies deposit their eggs near snails and the larvae then eat the snail. There is some evidence that the adults also kill snails directly. This family has therefore potential as a useful biological pest control.

Habitat

Unusually this Sciomyzids, is a species preferring drier habitats, especially calcareous woodlands.