Genus Sarcophaga

Classification · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Range · Works Cited

Sarcophaga (Flesh fly): species? - Sarcophaga

black and white fly-red eyes - Sarcophaga

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

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes

"we should anticipate rather drastic changes in [the current] classification" (1)

Explanation of Names

Greek sarx (σαρξ) 'flesh' + phagein (φαγειν) 'to eat' = 'flesh eater' (the larvae feed on carrion/rotting meat)

Numbers

~80 spp. in our area(2), 800 valid species arranged in about 150 subgenera worldwide(1)

Range

worldwide

Works Cited

1.	The world of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), by T. Pape, G. Dahlem, C.A. de Mello Patiu, & M. Giroux

2.	American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico By Ross H. Arnett

Contributed by Beatriz Moisset on 29 June, 2005 - 7:28am
Additional contributions by Chuck Entz, v belov
Last updated 3 December, 2010 - 8:39am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2012 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version