Scathophaga stercoraria

Scathophaga stercoraria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Scathophagidae
Genus: Scathophaga
Species:
S. stercoraria
Binomial name
Scathophaga stercoraria
Synonyms

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.[1] The distribution of S. stercoraria is likely influenced by human agriculture, especially in northern Europe and North America.[2] The Scathophaga are integral in the animal kingdom due to their role in the natural decomposition of dung in fields. They are also very important in the scientific world due to their short life cycles and susceptibility to experimental manipulations; thus, they have contributed significant knowledge about animal behavior.[1]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference black was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference blanckenhorn was invoked but never defined (see the help page).