Sarcophaga sarraceniae
This record describes Sarcophaga sarraceniae (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
See comments on images (linking to iNaturalist ) and print reference. Definitive identification likely requires microscopic examination of 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
Records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina (Dahlem and Naczi, 2006).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with pitcherplants, Sarracenia .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sarcophaga sarraceniae. 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 sarraceniae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarcophaga sarraceniae
What is Sarcophaga sarraceniae?
Sarcophaga sarraceniae is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Sarcophaga sarraceniae?
male 11-14 mm, female 10-12 mm (Dahlem and Naczi, 2006)
How do you identify Sarcophaga sarraceniae?
See comments on images (linking to iNaturalist ) and print reference. Definitive identification likely requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Where is Sarcophaga sarraceniae found?
Range: Records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina (Dahlem and Naczi, 2006).
What is the life cycle of a Sarcophaga sarraceniae?
Associated with pitcherplants, Sarracenia .