Sarcophaga carnaria
This record describes Sarcophaga carnaria (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large species but similar in appearance to other members of the family. Unless confirmed by an expert detailed examination is necessary to confirm the species. Please supply a photograph with your records. It is necessary to key out this species under magnification unless confirmed by a recognised expert. The Sarcophagidae are often known as Flesh Flies and can be found near carrion, but they will regularly rest on low foliage and are found in most habitat types. Widely recorded in the southern half of Britain, with fewer records from further north.
Wikipedia reference for Sarcophaga carnaria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcophaga_carnaria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sarcophagidae
- Genus
- Sarcophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The Sarcophagidae are often known as Flesh Flies and can be found near carrion, but they will regularly rest on low foliage and are found in most habitat types.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae typically feed on decaying meat.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely recorded in the southern half of Britain, with fewer records from further north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sarcophaga carnaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Sarcophaga carnaria (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarcophaga carnaria
What is Sarcophaga carnaria?
Sarcophaga carnaria is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Sarcophaga carnaria found?
Habitat: The Sarcophagidae are often known as Flesh Flies and can be found near carrion, but they will regularly rest on low foliage and are found in most habitat types.
When is Sarcophaga carnaria active?
Sarcophaga carnaria: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Sarcophaga carnaria?
Larvae typically feed on decaying meat.