Sarcophaga nearctica
This record describes Sarcophaga nearctica (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
DNA barcoding of Sarcophaga nearctica or Sarcophaga caerulescens specimens often matches sequences for both species, but once narrowed down to those two species they can easily be told apart morphologically - S. nearctica has red genitalia, while S. caerulescens has black genitalia.
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
Widespread in North America
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sarcophaga nearctica. 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 nearctica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarcophaga nearctica
What is Sarcophaga nearctica?
Sarcophaga nearctica is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sarcophaga nearctica?
DNA barcoding of Sarcophaga nearctica or Sarcophaga caerulescens specimens often matches sequences for both species, but once narrowed down to those two species they can easily be told apart morphologically - S. nearctica has red genitalia, while S. caerulescens has black genitalia.
Where is Sarcophaga nearctica found?
Range: Widespread in North America