scatophagids

Scatophagids are a group of insects belonging to the order Strepsiptera, which includes the common bristletails. They are characterized by their unique feeding habits and life cycle. Scatophagids are obligate coprophagous, meaning they exclusively feed on animal dung. This diet is reflected in their name, which comes from the Greek words "scatos" meaning dung and "phagein" meaning to eat. The most well-known species is the common bristletail, which is often found in the dung of mammals, including humans. Scatophagids have a distinctive body shape with a long, segmented abdomen and a pair of cerci at the end. Their life cycle involves an egg, a nymph, and an adult stage. The nymphs are often found in the dung of their hosts, where they feed and grow before emerging as adults. Scatophagids play a role in the ecosystem by contributing to the breakdown of organic matter in dung. However, they are also known to transmit diseases, such as anthrax, to their hosts.