Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

Genus Sarcophaga

Surfin' Fly Hangs Six - Who is that red-eyed wave rider? - Sarcophaga Flesh fly - Sarcophaga Flesh Fly - Sarcophaga - Sarcophaga Fly - Sarcophaga Flesh Fly - Sarcophaga Sarcophaga sinuata - male Sarcophagid - Sarcophaga johnsoni Flesh Fly - Dorsal  - Sarcophaga
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