October 15, 2025

Yellow dung fly

Yellow dung flies are pale yellow with large red eyes and black legs and can reach up to one centimetre in length

Yellow dung fly
Scathophaga stercoraria

Conservation status: Common

When to see: March to November peaking in summer

About

The yellow dung fly is a common sight in gardens and agricultural areas. As their name suggests, they hover around piles of poo and feed on its nutrients. Yellow dung flies are pale yellow with large red eyes and black legs and can reach up to one centimetre in length. Despite their unappealing diet, yellow dung flies play a vital role in managing waste by aiding in its decomposition and recycling the nutrients back into the soil. The adults also feed on other insects and nectar, making them important pollinators.