Pherbellia dubia

Alternative names
Black-horned Little Snailkiller
Description

A medium-large, rather slim and long-legged Pherbellia with a greyish mesonotum and the apical two-thirds of the 3rd antennal segment black (a character not seen in any other British Pherbellia but present in the buff-bodied Renocera pallida).

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required, and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Favours semi-natural broadleaved woodland where a lush ground flora is present. Most frequent in calcareous districts and avoiding the most acidic woods. 

When to see it

Adults have been recorded from May to August.

Life History

The larvae attack terrestrial, shade-loving snails such as Cochlicopa, Discus, Hygromia and Oxychilus.

UK Status

Widespread and frequent in much of Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
23/05/2023 (Higgott, Mike)
Last record:
23/05/2023 (Higgott, Mike)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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