scathophagid sp.

This is a dung fly. The larva develops in the dung of large mammals and other decomposing material. Both the larva and adult are predaceous. Some species of dung flies are model species for insect behavioral work. The distribution of many dung fly species is due to the livestock industry guiding the reproduction areas through mass quantities of dung produced.

Order: Diptera
Family: Scathophagidae

Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 15 April 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o43'41" N 111o08'11" N)