Genus Sarcophaga

Classification · Explanation of Names

Reality Check: Sarcophaga? - Sarcophaga - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon (Calyptratae)

Superfamily Oestroidea

Family Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies)

Subfamily Sarcophaginae

Genus Sarcophaga

Explanation of Names

Greek sarx (σαρξ)- "flesh" + phagein (φαγειν)- "to eat", with a feminine noun ending added- so it means "flesh eater".

This comes from the way the larvae feed on dead animals and rotting meat.

Contributed by Beatriz Moisset on 29 June, 2005 - 7:28am
Additional contributions by Chuck Entz, v belov
Last updated 5 April, 2009 - 9:47pm

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