Common Flesh Flies
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Live Birth Power
Common Flesh Flies can lay live maggots instead of eggs, that helps them start eating decaying matter right away.
Ability
Scent Seeker
Common Flesh Flies has sensitive antennae that helps them sniff out decaying matter and carrion from far away.
Ability
Time Teller
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
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to watch these flies from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
How does Common Flesh Flies hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does Common Flesh Flies have?
6
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