Golden Dung Fly

← Back to the app

Scathophaga stercoraria

Golden Dung Fly, a reference photo
Photo: Luc Viatour · CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

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. The distribution of S. stercoraria is likely influenced by human agriculture, especially in northern Europe and North America. The Scathophaga are integral in the animal kingdom due to their role in the natural decomposition of dung in fields.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Golden Dung Fly being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Scathophagidae
Species
Scathophaga stercoraria

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species