# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Common Flesh Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sarcophaga_nodosa.jpg&width=800) Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sarcophaga_nodosa.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Sarcophagidae - **Genus:** Sarcophaga ## 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 - **Live Birth Power:** Common Flesh Flies can lay live maggots instead of eggs, that helps them start eating decaying matter right away. - **Scent Seeker:** Common Flesh Flies has sensitive antennae that helps them sniff out decaying matter and carrion from far away. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cross-orbweaver) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Spiders often capture flies in their webs. - **Eats:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Larvae consume decaying deer carcasses. - **Pollinates:** Wild Carrot (*Daucus carota*) — Adults visit its flowers for sugary nectar. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 ### How does Common Flesh Flies hunt? Scavenging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common Flesh Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-flesh-flies)