Coproica ferruginata
(Stenhammar, 1854)
lesser dung fly
Coproica ferruginata is a in the , commonly known as lesser . The was described by Stenhammar in 1854. It is recorded from Europe and the Azores archipelago. As a member of Sphaeroceridae, it is associated with decaying matter.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coproica ferruginata: /koʊˈproʊɪkə ˌfɛruˈdʒɪnətə/
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Identification
Identification to level in Coproica requires examination of male . Distinguished from other Coproica species by specific configurations of the hypandrium and surstyli. External alone is generally insufficient for reliable identification.
Images
Appearance
Small-bodied , typical of . The specific epithet 'ferruginata' refers to a rusty or reddish- coloration.
Habitat
Associated with decaying matter, including and compost. Specific microhabitat preferences for this are not well documented.
Distribution
Europe; recorded from the Azores (Faial, Flores, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel).
Ecological Role
Member of the saprobic associated with decomposing matter. Likely contributes to , though specific ecological functions for this are not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented direct interactions with humans. Like other sphaerocerids, may occur in agricultural or urban settings where waste accumulates.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coproica speciesRequire dissection of male for reliable separation; external characters overlap significantly
- Other Sphaeroceridae generaShare small size and association with decaying matter; genitalic and characters needed for generic assignment
More Details
Taxonomic note
The (Limosininae) follows recent treatments of , though subfamily boundaries in this have been historically fluid.