title: Key aspects of the biology of snail-killing Sciomyzidae flies.
abstract: The biology of snail-killing flies (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) has been studied intensively over the past half-century, especially over the past decade. Today, sciomyzids are biologically the best-known group of higher Diptera. The overarching research objectives are evaluation of sciomyzids as biocontrols of disease-carrying or agriculturally important snails and slugs and as a paradigm group for the study of the evolution of diverse feeding and associated behaviors in flies. We present reviews and analyses of some key features of particular scientific and societal interest, including behavioral and phenological groups; laboratory experimental studies on behavior and development; population biology, bioindicators, ecosystem service provision, and conservation; phylogenetics, molecular studies, and evolutionary biology; and biocontrol.
authors.affiliation: Research Collaborator, Smithsonian Institution, Fishers, Indiana 46038-2257, USA. billmurphy8@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Lloyd V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Knutson
authors.forename: Eric G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Rory J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mc Donnell
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Benjamin A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Foote
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Vala
mesh_terms: D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004175:Diptera / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005843:Geography; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D010802:Phylogeny; D011156:Population Density; D012908:Snails