Sarcophaga crassipalpis
This record describes Sarcophaga crassipalpis (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is frequently cultured in laboratories and used for research on insect development and behavior.
Wikipedia reference for Sarcophaga crassipalpis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcophaga_crassipalpis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarcophaginae
- Tribe
- Johnsoniini
- Genus
- Sarcophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae primarily develop in carrion, but have been known to parasitize vertebrates on rare occasions.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sarcophaga crassipalpis. 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 crassipalpis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarcophaga crassipalpis
What is Sarcophaga crassipalpis?
Sarcophaga crassipalpis is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Sarcophaga crassipalpis found?
Range: Cosmopolitan.
What does Sarcophaga crassipalpis eat?
The diet of the Sarcophaga crassipalpis includes Larvae primarily develop in carrion, but have been known to parasitize vertebrates on rare occasions..