Sarcophaga

Sarcophaga is a genus of flies in the family Sarcophagidae, commonly known as flesh flies. Members of this genus are medium to large Diptera with often gray to black patterned bodies and a checkered abdomen. They have a worldwide distribution, with numerous species adapted to temperate and tropical habitats, and are frequently found around animal matter, manure, and carrion.

Reproduction and development: Most Sarcophaga species are larviparous, meaning females deposit live first-instar larvae rather than eggs. The larvae develop rapidly on decaying animal material, wounds, or carrion, passing through several instars before pupating in soil or the substrate. Adults typically feed on nectar, fruit, and other liquids, and are attracted to sources of warmth, odor of decay, and exposed meat.

Ecology and significance: Flesh flies are important scavengers in ecosystems and are often among the first insects to colonize a carcass, making them useful in forensic entomology for estimating postmortem intervals. Some species can cause myiasis in livestock or humans when wounds are available, though this is not universal. Taxonomically, the genus Sarcophaga contains several hundred described species, and identification generally requires examination of morphological traits under a key.