About Pherbellia cinerella (Fallén, 1820)
Pherbellia cinerella is a fly species belonging to the family Sciomyzidae. This species is found in the Palearctic region. P. cinerella is a dark, highly distinctive member of the Pherbellia genus, and is easy to identify in the field by its long mid-frontal stripe and darkened anterior wing margin. The larvae of Pherbellia cinerella are predatory, feeding on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic snails, including members of Helicidae, the genus Helix, the genus Helicella, the genus Succinea, the genus Lymnaea, and the species Galba truncatula. The species shows little to no host preference for its prey. It occurs across a wide range of habitats, but is most commonly found in warm, dry habitats such as coastal dunes and calcareous grassland, where it can grow to large population sizes. It can also be found in moist vegetation, though it occurs there in smaller numbers. Pherbellia cinerella is considered a potential biological control agent.
