Wing length: male 4.5 to 6.0 mm  female 5.0 to 6 mm but size variable. Scathophaga furcata tends to be dull yellow with yellow legs and a dark mark on the outer side of the front femora (similar to S. lutaria which has a plumose arista). Antennae are orange-red but dark at the tip. The cross-veins on the wings are darkened.

• dull yellow
• arista almost bare
• 1 sternopleural bristle
• acrostichals small and fine
• humeri similar in colour to the rest of the thorax
• yellow legs except dark mark on front femora
• antennae yellow-red (dark at the tip)
• cross-veins darkened

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

A wide variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and wetland areas. They can be found on dung.

Peak time is April to August.

They lay their eggs in dung, and that's what the larvae consume as they complete their development.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.