Explanation of Names
Syritta pipiens (Linnaeus 1758)
Identification
Scutum without pale spots in between transverse sutures
Fore and mid legs with dark spots on femora
Spurious vein present
Male:
Hind femur without large peg at base
Medial black stripe on second and third tergites usually rather thick
Female:
Maculae on fourth tergite rectangular, not extending posteriorly
Habitat
Larvae in wet decaying organic matter (manure, compost, silage)
(1).
Stages of Syritta pipiens have been reported from cow and horse manure, from guinea pig manure and from human excrement. It has also been found in decayed and rotting tulip bulbs and in heaps of vegetable refuse (Hodson, 1931).
Food
Larvae feed on decaying Narcissus bulbs; wet manure, compost and silage.
Remarks
Introduced from Europe in the 1800s (
Martin Hauser's comment).