There was a dung fly against the living room window.
I can’t help that the little creature is called that. It’s its official Dutch name: dung fly. Its scientific family name sounds more refined: Scatophaga. But that translates from ancient Greek to the same: poop-eater.
It was a male. You can tell by its yellow-brown to rusty orange color. The females are a bit more gray-greenish.
Why is the dung fly called that? Simple: because it likes to hang around dung, with a notable preference for fresh cow patties. Not because it eats them. Dung flies do not eat poop. The adult flies live on a diet of insects they catch themselves—strange word, actually, in this context; maybe “self-caught”?—alternated with nectar. No, they like to linger around cow dung because they need it for their reproduction.
The males gather around a fresh cow patty because they know that females with unfertilized eggs will be drawn there like by a magnet when the moment is right. Then it’s a matter of striking quickly and ‘doing the deed’, after which the female immediately deposits the fertilized eggs in the dung. Remarkable eggs. They have protrusions that look a bit like little wings and therefore resemble tiny flies. Those ‘wings’ have a very specific purpose: they ensure that the eggs do not immediately sink into the fresh dung and suffocate.
The eggs—a female dung fly lays one hundred to two hundred—hatch after one day, at most two. The larvae then nestle into the dung. A richly set table, then? You might say so. A fresh cow patty is essentially a large pile of concentrated food for many insects. But not for the dung fly larvae. Because they also do not eat poop. They eat the larvae of other flies that do eat poop. Once the larvae have gorged themselves, they pupate in the ground next to or under the cow patty, to emerge a few days later as adult flies.
There was a dung fly against the living room window. Shiny yellow-brown, with a hint of gold. Quite beautiful, actually. And I thought: couldn’t they have come up with another name for it? But yes, with poop on your legs, you hold no high status with anyone…
To pay attention to this week
Always fun: foraging in nature. For blackberries, for example. It’s that time of year again. Picking blackberries is not prohibited, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. A container for personal use is fine with no one objecting. Many animals also love the juicy blackberries. Deer and roe deer, for instance. But also badgers, mice, and foxes. Especially because of those foxes, some caution is advised while picking blackberries. Some foxes may be infected with the fox tapeworm, which can be present in their droppings. The chance of infection is very small, but the consequences are serious. Certainly, with low-hanging blackberries, it’s advisable to wash the fruits well after picking and preferably – delicious jam! – to cook them.
The Fascinating Life of the Scatophaga: Nature’s Misunderstood Inhabitant
While many might shudder at the mention of the strontvlieg or dung fly, these insects play a critical role in our ecosystem despite their unflattering name. The scientific name Scatophaga translates to “feces-eater,” which is not entirely accurate, as adult dung flies do not consume dung at all; rather, they are attracted to it for reproductive purposes.
Observing a male strontvlieg, with its striking yellow-brown coloration, one begins to appreciate nature’s intricate design. These flies congregate around fresh cow dung, using it as a breeding ground. The females are drawn to this location to lay their eggs, which hatch into larvae that ultimately contribute to the decomposition process, feeding not on the dung itself but on the larvae of other insects that do.
Interestingly, the lifecycle of the strontvlieg offers insights into the broader ecological balance. Their larvae thrive in nutrient-rich environments, demonstrating nature’s preference for recycling and sustainability. With a rise in environmental awareness, we may see a growing interest in the organisms that assist in our ecosystem’s health, like the dung fly.
The Rise of Foraging: A Trend to Watch
As society becomes more eco-conscious, urban foraging is gaining momentum. Activities such as blackberry picking are becoming popular, reflecting a desire to reconnect with nature. However, as enthusiasts explore these resources, it’s essential to be aware of potential health risks, such as zoonotic diseases spread by wildlife.
Forager education will likely emerge as a vital component of this trend, from recognizing safe foraging practices to understanding the lifecycle of local species, including the dung fly. The emphasis on sustainable harvesting will ensure that both people and wildlife benefit harmoniously from nature’s bountiful offerings.
Nature’s Beauty Beyond the Name
Ultimately, the perception of insects like the dung fly may shift as we recognize their value in maintaining ecological health. The allure of nature lies in its complexity, and with increased interest in biodiversity, we could see a cultural shift toward appreciating all creatures—no matter how they are named. Imagine a world where insects are celebrated for their contributions rather than dismissed for their associations. These trends suggest an exciting future for our relationship with nature, fostering a sense of respect for even the most misunderstood creatures.