Sarcophaga sinuata
This record describes Sarcophaga sinuata (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black tip to the abdomen as in S. melanura , setae of the midfemora are orange. The subgenus Sarcotachinella is treated as a genus in Manual of Nearctic Diptera , but placed as a subgenus by Pape (Catalogue of the Sarcophagidae of the World, 1996).
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 Nearctic & Palaearctic (introduced in our area??)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: 2 males "bred from Melanoplus differentialis", taken in Colorado in 1900. (Aldrich 1916); probably scavenge on various dead or dying insects
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sarcophaga sinuata Meigen, 1826
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sarcophaga sinuata. 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 sinuata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarcophaga sinuata
What is Sarcophaga sinuata?
Sarcophaga sinuata is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sarcophaga sinuata?
Black tip to the abdomen as in S. melanura , setae of the midfemora are orange.
Where is Sarcophaga sinuata found?
Range: Widespread in Nearctic & Palaearctic (introduced in our area??)
What does Sarcophaga sinuata eat?
The diet of the Sarcophaga sinuata includes 2 males bred from Melanoplus differentialis, taken in Colorado in 1900. (Aldrich 1916); probably scavenge on various dead or dying insects.