Flesh Flies

Sarcophagidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Oestroidea
Family: Sarcophagidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sarcophagidae: /sɑːrˈkɒfəˌdʒaɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Sarcophaga subvicina novaki by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Protomiltogramma cincta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sarcophaga aurigena by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Peckia satanica by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Microcerellamyia retusa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Sarcophagidae, commonly known as flesh flies, is a family of flies notable for being ovoviviparous and feeding primarily on carrion. This family includes three subfamilies and about 400 species in North America.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the subfamily Sarcophaginae are small to large flies measuring 0.16–0.9 inches (4.1–22.9 mm) with black and gray longitudinal stripes on the thorax and checkering on the abdomen. They exhibit red eyes and a bristled abdomen, and their abdominal sternites II and III are free, covering the margins of tergites. The presutural bristle is situated lower than the notopleural bristle, and four notopleural bristles are present in a specific arrangement.

Identification Tips

Reliable species identification generally requires examination of dissected genitalia, particularly for males. Diagnostic characteristics include specific bristle arrangements and vein structures.

Habitat

Flesh flies are found in areas with carrion, dung, and decaying organic material, often around compost piles and latrines.

Distribution

Worldwide and throughout North America, with a notable presence in various ecological niches.

Diet

Adults feed on various sugar-containing materials such as nectar, sap, fruit juices, and honeydew. Larvae are necrophagous, feeding primarily on carrion, dung, or other organic substances, and may also prey on smaller larvae.

Life Cycle

Sarcophagidae are ovoviviparous, depositing hatched or hatching maggots instead of eggs on suitable substrates such as carrion or decaying plant material.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves females depositing live young (maggots) directly onto suitable food sources such as carrion or dung.

Ecosystem Role

Flesh flies play a significant role in the decomposition process as scavengers and may also contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Health Concerns

Flesh flies can carry leprosy bacilli and may transmit pseudomyiasis. Certain species can cause myiasis in animals, particularly in livestock, potentially leading to infections.

Collecting Methods

Suction traps
Malaise traps
Light traps
Bait traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Pinned specimens
Point-mounted specimens

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Flesh flies are often confused with house flies and blowflies, leading to misidentification, particularly of the species Sarcophaga carnaria, which does not occur in the Americas.