Scathophaga furcata
This record describes Scathophaga furcata (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length: male 4.5 to 6.0 mm female 5.0 to 6 mm but size variable. Scathophaga furcata tends to be dull yellow with yellow legs and a dark mark on the outer side of the front femora (similar to S. lutaria which has a plumose arista). Antennae are orange-red but dark at the tip. The cross-veins on the wings are darkened. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. A wide variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and wetland areas. They can be found on dung. They lay their eggs in dung, and that's what the larvae consume as they complete their development. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Scathophaga furcata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scathophaga_furcata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Scathophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wide variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and wetland areas. They can be found on dung.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is April to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They lay their eggs in dung, and that's what the larvae consume as they complete their development.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scathophaga furcata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Scathophaga furcata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scathophaga furcata
What is Scathophaga furcata?
Scathophaga furcata is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scathophaga furcata?
male 4.5 to 6.0 mm female 5.0 to 6 mm but size variable.
Where is Scathophaga furcata found?
Habitat: A wide variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and wetland areas. They can be found on dung.
When is Scathophaga furcata active?
Scathophaga furcata: seasonal activity - Peak time is April to August..
What is the life cycle of a Scathophaga furcata?
They lay their eggs in dung, and that's what the larvae consume as they complete their development.