Dung Flies
Scathophagidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Muscoidea
- Family: Scathophagidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scathophagidae: /skəˌθɒfəˈdʒaɪdiː/
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Images
Summary
Scathophagidae, known as dung flies, primarily consist of small to medium-sized flies predominantly found in temperate regions. Although many species are associated with dung, their larvae exhibit a range of feeding behaviors, contributing to their ecological role as predators and decomposers.
Physical Characteristics
Body length ranges from 3.0 to 12.0 mm; slender body with an elongated, cylindrical abdomen; body color ranges from yellow to black, with some species being glossy and bicolored. Eyes are wide-set on the frons in both sexes. Bristles on the head, thorax, and legs are well developed.
Identification Tips
The absence of cruciate interfrontal setae in adults is a notable identification feature. The anal vein usually reaches the wing margin, and the wing is typically clear with possible distinct markings in some species.
Habitat
Larvae can be found in dung, leaf mines, as stem borers, in seed capsules, and in wet habitats as predators on other insect larvae. Adults are often seen on flowers hunting for prey.
Distribution
Scathophagidae are primarily found in the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with 54 species recorded from the British Isles and 150 species recorded from Canada. The family is mostly confined to the Northern Hemisphere, with few species known from the Southern Hemisphere.
Diet
Larvae can be coprophagous (feeding on dung), phytophagous (feeding on plants), or predaceous. Adults feed on smaller insects and occasionally are observed on flowers.
Life Cycle
The life cycle varies among species, with some undergoing larval development in dung while others have diverse feeding habits as larvae. Adults are typically predaceous and engage in hunting.
Reproduction
Reproductive habits are not specified. However, many species are known to aggregate in specific habitats, such as around dung or flowers, during their reproductive phases.
Predators
Scathophagidae larval stages may be preyed upon by larger invertebrates; adult flies are known to be predaceous on smaller insects, including blow-flies.
Ecosystem Role
As predators of other small insects, particularly harmful species like blow-flies, Scathophagidae play a beneficial role in biological control.
Cultural Significance
The name 'dung flies' is derived from the existence of specific species that utilize dung, particularly Scathophaga stercoraria, which is a common and abundant species in many Northern Hemisphere areas.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Sweeping
- Net collecting
- Bait trapping with dung
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
- Drying
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The name 'dung flies' is often thought to apply to all members of the family, but only a few species actually have larvae that develop in dung.
Tags
- Flies
- Diptera
- Scathophagidae
- Ecosystem
- Biological Control