Rare fly breeding ecology documented for the first time...

A rare glimpse into the breeding ecology of the usually elusive Rainham Blue Dung-fly (Scathophaga volunteerensis).   Here the short-sighted males (#1) look up at the arrival of distinctively yellow-legged female (#2) to their chosen dung pile lek site.

They have failed to notice the presence of an immature grey-legged female already in their midst (#3) and within a few moments the males return to their task of trying to fling dung around using their modified front limbs in an effort to impress and attract further females.

To the left a mature male (#4) with the dark blue rather than royal blue thorax stands guard over the whole pile.                  

He will jealously guard his territory and will attack any immature males that make a move on any attending females. It is worth noting that he is equally myopic...