Golden Dung Fly - Male, Heeswijk, Netherlands

Abundant species in my region and far beyond it. The male is more yellow/golden than the female, he is larger, and he has yellow fur on the legs as seen on the photo.

comments (13)

Christine Young

Lion

It's so pretty! Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Er, I mean handsome :) Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    It is neither, so it's fine :)
    Just kidding, it is great to see, but at the same time I find flies repulsive in general. For flies, I really have to try hard to find a biological appreciation that I tend to have for life in general. They're just not my thing I guess. Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Well, I think it's super CUTE with its furry yellow legs and bum! I admit flies are a bit nasty, but imagine what life would be like without coprophagous insects - we'd be up to our ears in roadkill and poop. They help prevent the spread of parasites, return nutrients to the soil, and are important in breaking down waste, especially on farms. Sooo, admire this cute little fella, who looks like it came straight out of the 1970's. Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        You are of course absolutely right, my hate for them is largely irrational :) It's probably rooted in a very practical reason: they are the type of insects most bothersome to me. Doesn't mean they're not useful, and at times, beautiful. Everything has a purpose. Posted 7 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Although, I do despise biting flies...and, any flies that try to get in your eyes, ears, or nose...Plus those that just randomly fly into my head over and over, ad nauseam. Seriously, what is their purpose? They don’t land, but just circle and bounce off my head repeatedly. Posted 7 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Bingo! House flies keep landing on top of my head and fingers. They could land anywhere, but no... Posted 7 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

I agree with Christine! The furriness makes it so adorable! :D Posted 7 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  It would be a cheap pet to have, Lisa :) Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Haha! Lisa, it would clean up after Charlie ;) Posted 7 years ago
3. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Yes! I wish I had pants like this fly. Imagine how cozy they would be <3 Posted 7 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

Excellent macro Ferdy and yes...it's CUTE! Posted 7 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you, Claire. I seem to be greatly outnumbered here :) Posted 7 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 Ferdy Christant