Coprophagous
Guides
Aphodius
dung beetles
Aphodius is a genus of dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The genus was established by Hellwig in 1798, with Scarabaeus fimetarius Linnaeus, 1758 designated as the type species by Latreille in 1810. Species in this genus typically dominate dung beetle communities in north temperate ecosystems and are classified as endocoprids (dwellers), with larvae living and feeding within dung pats. Most species are coprophagous, though some have herbivorous or saprophagous larvae. The genus currently includes 44 recognized species, of which 21 are extinct.
Cordilura scapularis
Cordilura scapularis is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, a group of flies commonly known as yellow dung flies or dung flies. The species was described by Loew in 1870. Like other members of Scathophagidae, this species is associated with dung and other decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Deltochilini
Deltochilini is a large tribe of dung beetles in the subfamily Scarabaeinae, comprising approximately 800 species across 120 genera. Members exhibit substantial variation in size (2–33 mm) and body form. The tribe has undergone taxonomic revision, with Deltochilini restored as the valid name over the junior synonym Canthonini. Despite historical classification based on morphological traits such as reduced tibial dentition, these characteristics have limited phylogenetic support.
Neomyia
False Greenbottles
Neomyia is a genus of flies in the family Muscidae, commonly known as False Greenbottles. The genus includes species such as Neomyia cornicina, a coprophagous dung fly that inhabits cattle dung and has been extensively studied as a non-target organism affected by veterinary pharmaceuticals in livestock waste. Species in this genus exhibit thermophilous behavior and adapt their spatial and temporal distribution to climatic conditions.
Neomyia cornicina
Small False Greenbottle
Neomyia cornicina is a common coprophagous muscid fly native to the Palaearctic region, with introduced populations in the Nearctic. Adults and larvae feed on cattle dung, contributing to dung decomposition. The species is frequently used as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies examining the effects of veterinary pharmaceuticals on non-target dung fauna.
Otophorus haemorrhoidalis
Otophorus haemorrhoidalis is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic region (Europe, Asia, and North Africa) and has been introduced to the Nearctic region (North America), where it is established in Canada and the United States. The species is associated with dung habitats and plays a role in nutrient cycling. Despite its wide distribution, detailed biological studies on this species remain limited.
Phanaeus quadridens
Phanaeus quadridens is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Scarabaeinae. It belongs to the genus Phanaeus, a group known for their role in dung burial and nutrient recycling. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: P. q. quadridens and P. q. borealis.
Scathophaga crinita
Scathophaga crinita is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Scathophaga, a group commonly known as dung flies. Members of this genus are typically associated with animal feces, where adults feed and females lay eggs. The larvae develop in dung, playing a role in decomposition.
Sepsidae
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsidae is a family of small, slender flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. The family contains over 300 described species worldwide. Adults are typically found on mammal excrement, decaying animal and plant material, and carrion, where they feed and oviposit. Many species exhibit a distinctive wing-waving behavior while walking. The family plays a significant ecological role as decomposers and has forensic and hygienic relevance due to their association with feces and decaying matter.
Sepsis neocynipsea
black scavenger fly
Sepsis neocynipsea is a black scavenger fly in the family Sepsidae, widespread across the Holarctic region including North American grasslands. The species is obligate on cow dung for reproduction, with females depositing eggs on fresh dung and larvae completing development within or near the dung pat. Research has documented severe sensitivity to ivermectin residues in livestock dung, with females showing approximately three times higher mortality than males when exposed. The species exhibits complex interactions between chemical stress and environmental conditions, including potential hormetic effects where combined heat and ivermectin exposure can improve survival relative to ivermectin alone.
Teuchestes fossor
gravedigger dung beetle
Teuchestes fossor is a coprophagous dung beetle native to the Palaearctic region that has become widespread in North America following accidental introduction during European settlement. Both adults and larvae feed on herbivore dung, with adults consuming liquid fractions and larvae consuming fibrous material. The species is readily collected from livestock dung and supports key ecosystem services in cattle systems. It is one of the most frequently observed dung beetles in its range, with over 600 citizen science records.