- Latin Name: Sphaeroceridae
- Latin Family Name: Sphaeroceridae
- Common Name: Lesser Dung Fly
- Other Names: Small Dung Fly, Lesser Corpse Fly
Origin:
A number of native species of these flies are found in North America.
Biology:
The sphaerocerid flies often breed in animal waste and other decaying materials, and may breed in very large numbers. Because of this association with excrement, including human waste, they pose a threat to human health.
Identification:
The small dung flies have characteristic tarsi, which are the last five small segments of the legs before the claws. The first two segments of the tarsi are noticeably short and are much wider than the following three segments. In general the adult flies are only 4 or 5 mm long and a dull brown to black in color.
Characteristics Important to Control:
An inspection to find the decaying organic material that supports the larvae is important, and elimination and prevention of these sources will reduce adult fly populations.
