Genus Sarcophaga

Classification · Other Common Names · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Identification · Range · Life Cycle · Remarks · Internet References · Works Cited

Hope #1: Is this a flesh fly (Sarcophaga sp.)? - Sarcophaga

Flesh Fly - Dorsal - Sarcophaga - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon (Calyptratae)

Superfamily Oestroidea

Family Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies)

Subfamily Sarcophaginae

Genus Sarcophaga

Other Common Names

Common Flesh Flies

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)

Identification

Identification of many species within this genus requires dissection of male genitalia.

Range

worldwide

Life Cycle

Puparium

Remarks

Despite numerous claims to the contrary, S. carnaria doesn't occur anywhere in the Americas.

Internet References

Fact sheets: S. crassipalpis • S. haemorrhoidalis

Works Cited

1.	Pape T., Dahlem G., de Mello Patiu C.A., Giroux M. (2012) The world of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

2.	American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico Ross H. Arnett. 2000. CRC Press.

Contributed by Beatriz Moisset on 29 June, 2005 - 7:28am
Additional contributions by Chuck Entz, v belov, PaleoJon, zdanko
Last updated 25 May, 2022 - 8:08am

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