Yellow Dung Fly - Scathophaga stercoraria

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Description

The male is golden yellow, whilst the female has a greener appearance and is less furry.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It is very common in cattle farming areas.

When to see it

March to November peaking in summer.

Life History

The adult fly is mainly carnivorous and catches smaller insects, though also eats nectar. As the name suggests, this fly lays its eggs mainly on cowpats.

UK Status

Very common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland

  • David Nicholls
    Lucas' Marsh NR
    28 April 2007
    male
  • David Nicholls
    20 Acre Piece
    23 May 2014
    female
  • John Cranfield
    Fleckney Garden1
    18 September 2004
    female
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    26 September 2013
    mating pair
  • David Nicholls
    Wirlybones Wood, Ratby
    24 May 2008

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    26 September 2013
    mating pair
  • David Nicholls
    Bardon Hill
    05 May 2006
  • David Nicholls
    Jubilee Walk, Leire
    29 March 2011
    female
  • HAPeacock
    Billa Barra
    21 July 2012
  • HAPeacock
    City Farm - Sheep Field Path
    26 June 2012
  • David Nicholls
    20 Acre Piece NR
    28 May 2010
  • Graham Calow
    Broughton Astley
    24 June 2011
    male
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    26 September 2013
    mating pair
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    19 April 2011
    male
  • David Nicholls
    Rutland Water, Egleton NR
    24 September 2004
    mating pair
  • Lostash
    Whetstone Village
    20 April 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Ratby Village Pond
    05 May 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Fosse Meadows
    08 July 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Cossington
    11 October 2011
  • Ron.stevens
    Broughton Astley
    13 November 2011
  • Barbara Cooper
    Long Clawson
    28 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    28 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    28 May 2012
  • HAPeacock
    River Soar - St Marys Mill
    14 June 2012
  • HAPeacock
    River Soar - St Marys Mill
    14 June 2012
  • HAPeacock
    The Orchards
    26 June 2012
  • HAPeacock
    City Farm - Cow Field
    26 June 2012
  • HAPeacock
    Billa Barra
    21 July 2012
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote garden1
    06 August 2012
  • Alan Semper
    Harby garden
    22 August 2012
  • David Gould
    The Spearwort Fields
    18 May 2013
  • HAPeacock
    Leicester Garden
    21 June 2013