Dung-associated
Guides
Asilus
Hornet robberfly
Asilus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Linnaeus in 1758, containing at least 150 described species. The genus includes some of the largest robber flies in the Palearctic region, with Asilus crabroniformis being the largest fly species in the United Kingdom. Members of this genus are predatory insects known for their powerful flight, large compound eyes, and habit of capturing other insects in mid-air.
Bisnius fimetarius
Bisnius fimetarius is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described from Europe and now known to occur across the Palearctic region. The species has been introduced to eastern Canada. As a member of the genus Bisnius, it belongs to a group of rove beetles often associated with dung and carrion habitats where they function as predators.
Copromyzinae
Copromyzinae
Copromyzinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The subfamily was established by Stenhammer in 1854 and contains approximately 19 genera, including Copromyza, the type genus. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their association with decaying organic matter, particularly dung, and are found across diverse geographic regions. The subfamily is well-represented in entomological collections, with over 2,600 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Coprophilus
Coprophilus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) containing approximately 30–32 species. Members are restricted to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and lead cryptic lifestyles in decomposing organic matter. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'dung-loving', reflecting their frequent association with herbivore dung and decaying plant material. Species identification is complicated by high morphological variability and underdeveloped systematics.
Histerini
clown beetles
Histerini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising at least 540 described species. Members are primarily associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly dung, where they function as predators. The tribe includes genera such as Hister, Margarinotus, and Atholus. Several species have experienced population declines in parts of their range due to agricultural intensification.
Macrochelidae
Macrochelidae is a cosmopolitan family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. The family is primarily associated with ephemeral, nutrient-rich habitats such as animal dung, where they prey on nematodes, oligochaete worms, and arthropod eggs. Phoresy on flying insects—particularly dung beetles and flies—enables dispersal between temporary resource patches. Some species have been developed as biological control agents for pest management.
Margarinotus merdarius
clown beetle
Margarinotus merdarius is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) originally described from Europe. It has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a genus known for association with dung and decaying organic matter.
Microchrysa flavicornis
green gem
Microchrysa flavicornis is a small European soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, commonly known as the green gem. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with woodland edges and hedgerows. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females displaying metallic green on the abdomen and frons. Larvae have been recorded from dung.
Rhingia nasica
American Snout Fly
Rhingia nasica is a North American species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are recognized by their distinctive elongated snout, a trait shared with other members of the genus Rhingia. Larval development occurs in association with animal dung. The species is commonly observed across the eastern and central United States.
Sargus bipunctatus
twin-spot centurion, Twin-Spot Centurion Fly
Sargus bipunctatus, commonly known as the twin-spot centurion, is a European soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. Adults range from 10–14 mm in body length and display sexual dimorphism in coloration. The species is associated with decaying organic matter, where females oviposit and larvae develop. It has been observed in both open and wooded habitats from July through November.
Scathophaginae
dung flies, yellow dung flies
Scathophaginae is a subfamily of predatory flies within the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as dung flies. The subfamily contains at least 30 genera and approximately 130 described species. Adults are frequently associated with dung and decaying organic matter, where they occur in large numbers. The group is notable for being predatory rather than coprophagous, with both adults and larvae feeding on other insects.
Sepsis
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsis is a genus of small flies in the family Sepsidae, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. These flies are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior and association with decaying organic matter. The genus contains numerous species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Adults are typically black with silvery or metallic markings and possess a characteristic humpbacked appearance.
Spaziphora
Spaziphora is a genus of small to medium-sized predatory flies in the family Scathophagidae. The genus contains at least three described species, including the widespread S. hydromyzina. Members are found in northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As scathophagid flies, they are associated with dung and decaying organic matter habitats where they hunt as larvae.