Livestock-associated
Guides
Hybomitra lurida
Broad-headed Horse Fly
Hybomitra lurida is a large horse-fly species in the family Tabanidae, measuring 12–15 millimetres in length. It is distributed across central and northern Europe, Asia, and North America including Canada, Alaska, and portions of the contiguous United States. Adults are active during summer months and are frequently associated with cattle in open landscapes.
Hydrotaea armipes
Hydrotaea armipes is a species of muscid fly in the family Muscidae. It is known from Europe, with distribution records from Portugal (including Madeira and São Miguel Island), Denmark, and Norway. The genus Hydrotaea includes species associated with decomposing organic matter and animal feces. Some Hydrotaea species have been documented as predators of other fly larvae in manure habitats.
Hydrotaea militaris
Hydrotaea militaris is a species of muscid fly in the genus Hydrotaea. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. Like other members of Hydrotaea, this species is associated with decomposing organic matter and livestock environments. Larvae of Hydrotaea species have been documented as predators of other fly larvae in manure, including horn fly larvae.
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.