Scavengers
Guides
Carnoidea
Carnoidea is a superfamily of acalyptrate flies (Diptera: Schizophora) comprising approximately ten families of small, often inconspicuous flies. Members are typically only a few millimeters in length and occupy diverse ecological niches including seashores, decaying organic matter, and specialized habitats such as bee nests and bat caves. The superfamily's monophyly remains tentative; while some morphological synapomorphies of the male genitalia have been proposed, molecular analyses suggest potential polyphyly with constituent families showing closer relationships to other superfamilies.
Fanniidae
lesser house flies, little house flies
Fanniidae is a small family of true flies comprising approximately 285 species in five genera. Adults are medium-sized to small with predominantly dark body and leg coloration. Males form characteristic dancing swarms beneath trees, while females are more retiring. Larvae possess flattened bodies with prominent lateral protuberances and develop as scavengers in decaying organic matter. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic and temperate Neotropical realms, with limited representation in other biogeographic regions.
Machilidae
Jumping Bristletails
Machilidae is a family of wingless insects in the order Archaeognatha, commonly known as jumping bristletails. Adults measure 7–20 mm in body length, with elongated cylindrical bodies covered in overlapping scales and three long terminal filaments. They possess large contiguous compound eyes, a humped thorax, and enlarged hind legs that enable rapid jumping when disturbed. The family contains approximately 250–450 described species with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, primarily associated with moist, sheltered microhabitats including rocky shorelines, leaf litter, and rock crevices.
Pseudepierus
clown beetles
Pseudepierus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Casey in 1916. The genus contains at least two described species: P. gentilis and P. italicus. Like other histerids, these beetles are likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ptininae
Spider Beetles
Ptininae is a subfamily of small beetles commonly known as spider beetles, containing approximately 500 species. Members are characterized by rounded, compact bodies, long slender legs, and complete absence of wings. Both adults and larvae are scavengers. The subfamily has been treated variously as part of Anobiidae or as the separate family Ptinidae.
Sarcophaginae
Typical Flesh Flies
Sarcophaginae is a diverse subfamily of flesh flies comprising at least 60 genera and over 1,800 species worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. These calyptrate flies are characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter, including carrion, feces, and decaying material. Many species exhibit synanthropic behavior, thriving in human-modified environments. Their life histories encompass necrophagy, coprophagy, and scavenging, with some species documented in association with eusocial wasp nests. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia due to uniform external chaetotaxy.