Scathophagidae

Definition

A family of predatory flies in the superfamily Muscoidea (order Diptera), commonly but inaccurately called "dung flies" because only a few species (notably in the genus Scathophaga) develop in animal dung. Most scathophagid larvae are predators of other insect larvae in diverse habitats including dung, decaying plant matter, and aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. Adults are typically yellowish to brownish, bristly flies that frequent flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen and may contribute to pollination. The family is most diverse in the Holarctic region.

Etymology

From Greek skatos (dung) + phagein (to eat), referring to the dung-feeding habits of the type genus Scathophaga; family suffix -idae.

Example

The yellow dung fly Scathophaga stercoraria is a classic model organism in behavioral ecology and sperm competition studies, despite being atypical for the family in its strict association with cattle dung.

Synonyms

• dung flies (vernacular, misleading)

Related Terms

• Muscoidea
• Diptera
• Scathophaga
• Calyptratae
• Anthomyiidae
• Fanniidae

Usage Notes

The common name "dung flies" is taxonomically misleading and best reserved for Scathophaga and relatives; many scathophagids have no association with dung. The family is distinguished from similar Muscoidea by predatory larval habits and adult morphology. Some classifications have historically placed Scathophagidae within Anthomyiidae, but current treatments recognize them as distinct.