Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria)

This is one of our most familiar and most studied insects, and yet there are still surprises to be had.

If you don't mind witnessing a little harsh reality of the nature of nature, watch this 6 minute accompanying video (with a link in the comments section to another video).

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That's incredible, looks like a month worth of food. Makes you wonder how it will practically secure this prey over time. Posted 4 years ago
1. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  I need to investigate how it captured something so much bigger?
  Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I first wondered if it was just scavenging, but this article suggests it does target hoverflies, although usually smaller:
    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/dung-fly-country-diary-wolsingham-weardale-entomophthora Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Philip Booker
      
      Lion
      
      I was aware they hunted hoverflies.
      
      I just assumed they would go for smaller one's! Posted 4 years ago

The Scathophaga stercorari

"Scathophaga stercoraria", commonly known as the yellow dung fly or the golden dung fly, is one of the most familiar and abundant flies in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. As its common name suggests, it is often found on the feces of large mammals, such as horses, cattle, sheep, deer, and wild boar, where it goes to breed.

Info 30 3

Similar species: True Flies

Species identified by Philip Booker

By Philip Booker

Uploaded Oct 18, 2020. Captured Apr 16, 2020 13:56 in Caretakers House, Queensdown School Rd, Brighton BN1 7LA, UK.

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