Sarcophaga
Scientific name: Sarcophaga
Sarcophaga
Scientific name: Sarcophaga
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Despite its slightly morbid moniker deriving from the Greek for 'flesh-eater', members of the genus Sarcophaga play an essential role in our ecosystems. These flies are often misjudged due to their association with decaying material, yet they are crucial in the rapid decomposition of organic matter, thereby cycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Moreover, their larvae, also called maggots, have been used in medical settings to clean out necrotic tissue in a process called maggot therapy, showcasing their beneficial impact beyond natural decomposition.
Species of Sarcophaga
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original