Common Flesh Flies

Sarcophaga

Common Flesh Flies are interesting insects that help break down dead animals. They are usually gray with stripes and can be found buzzing around in warm places, especially in the summer.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Common Flesh Flies are medium-sized, robust flies, typically gray with three dark stripes on their thorax and a distinct checkerboard pattern on their abdomen. They often have noticeable red eyes. This checkered abdomen helps distinguish them from many other fly species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySarcophagidaeGenusSarcophaga

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi KarimGFDL 1.2 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Common Flesh Flies

Interesting facts

Wow! Flesh flies can actually taste things with their feet before they eat them!

Wow! Some flesh flies help pollinate flowers as they fly between food sources!

Wow! These flies are super fast, with some species flying up to 20 km/h!

Wow! They are amazing natural recyclers, turning dead things into new life!

Special abilities

Common Flesh Flies can lay live maggots instead of eggs, that helps them start eating decaying matter right away.

Common Flesh Flies has sensitive antennae that helps them sniff out decaying matter and carrion from far away.

Common Flesh Flies can help scientists estimate how long an animal has been dead, because their life cycle is very predictable.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 16-30 mm
Size: 8-15 mm
Lifespan: 10-30 days
Flight Speed: 15 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat decaying matter, while adults drink sugary liquids for energy and survival.

Age differences: Larvae consume decaying organic matter, while adults feed on nectar and other sugary fluids for energy.

Primary Foods

carrion
excrement
dead insects
nectar
honeydew
fruit juices

Foraging Method

Scavenging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Cross Orbweaver

Araneus diadematus

Spiders often capture flies in their webs.

Eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Larvae consume decaying deer carcasses.

Pollinates

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Adults visit its flowers for sugary nectar.

Traits

Striped

Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.

Scavenger

Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Carnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Speedster

This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.

Urban Friendly

This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

Pollinator

Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Insects

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch these flies from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Flesh Flies?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

What is Common Flesh Flies's wingspan?

16-30 mm

How big is Common Flesh Flies?

8-15 mm

How long does Common Flesh Flies live?

10-30 days

How fast can Common Flesh Flies fly?

15 km/h

What does Common Flesh Flies eat?

Larvae eat decaying matter, while adults drink sugary liquids for energy and survival.

Where is Common Flesh Flies usually found?

Urban areas