About the event

The snail-killing flies (family Sciomyzidae) are so-called as most species in their larval stage are predators or parasites of snails or slugs, although a few parasitise millipedes.  There are 69 species on the British checklist. Most are associated with wetlands but some are found in woodland or grasslands. Many have attractively marked wings and some can be confused with the picture-winged flies.

This workshop will cover the identification of adults using pinned specimens which can be examined under a microscope. A key to the species will be provided. No prior knowledge of fly identification will be assumed. Most species are fairly straightforward to identify but some require examination of male genitalia to confirm identification.