Biology and benefits of dung flies as natural enemies of field crop pests

There are 54 species of dung flies (Family: Scathophagidae) in the UK, of which six are important for biocontrol.

Colour varies from dull yellow-brown to black and/or yellow. The shape varies from slender to robust and the size from small to large (3–12 mm). The flies have bristly bodies and legs.

Dung flies have diverse life cycles, depending on larval feeding habitats. The number of generations per year is unknown.

Larvae feed on plant leaves and flowers, detritus, dung or eggs of aquatic insects. Adults are predatory on soft-bodied insects, often associated with dung. Six species are considered important for biocontrol.

Unknown.

Dung flies favour mixed farming systems where dung is available.