A review of the natural history and laboratory culture methods for the yellow dung fly, Scathophaga stercoraria

Citation

Blanckenhorn WU, Pemberton AJ, Bussiere L, Rombke J & Floate KD (2010) A review of the natural history and laboratory culture methods for the yellow dung fly, Scathophaga stercoraria. Journal of Insect Science, 10, Art. No.: 11. http://www.insectscience.org/10.11/

Abstract
The yellow dung fly Scathophaga stercoraria (L.) (Diptera: Scathophagidae) is a widespread and locally abundant fly associated with the dung of large mammals, especially farm animals. This species has recently become a standard test organism for evaluating toxic effects of veterinary pharmaceuticals in livestock dung. In this context, a review of its natural history and a general description of the field and laboratory rearing methods of this species are provided here to benefit the scientific community as well as government regulators and applicants of eco-toxicological studies. For guidance, means and ranges are included for all relevant standard life history traits stemming from previously published data on Swiss populations.

Keywords
bioassay; eco-toxicology; faecal residues; life history; non-target effects; Environmental Pollution adverse effects;

Journal
Journal of Insect Science: Volume 10