A Dung Fly in February?

[Geoff F]

Another unidentified specimen from that beautiful day of 20-02-11. South Devon.

It rather looks like a Dung Fly to me but surely this is very early.

I suspect Scathophagidae of some form though.



Any suggestions?

[Dogghound]

Looks like Scathophaga, you often get early specimens. Especially if they have developed/overwintered in sunsports or along south facing banks with warm microclimates.

[Geoff F]

Thanks for that. I usually start seeing a few during the middle of March but I didn't expect anything quite so early after a hard winter. But I suppose down here in the far south it has been relatively mild for the past month.

It's all the cloud and dampness which made it seem wintry.

[2dogs2000]

I was surprised to find a dung fly in my house mid January and I am in Northamptonshire.