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Flesh fly

Flesh fly

Sarcophaga carnaria

A species of Sarcophaga, Also known as Greater worm flesh fly

The flesh fly (Sarcophaga carnaria) has a particularly disgusting diet of rotting meat and earthworms. The larva develops overtime by feasting on rotten flesh. This means that they can be used to identify the time of death in forensic science. They are also attracted to feces.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
How Does the Flesh fly Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Flesh fly
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Attributes of Flesh fly
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, plant sap, decaying fruits, liquids from carcasses, animal exudates
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, carcasses, wound exudates, animal feces, decomposing vegetable matter
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Flesh fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Flesh fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Life Cycle of Flesh fly
Egg The egg stage begins when the female flesh fly lays her eggs. These eggs are usually small, oval, and white. They're often laid in decaying material, providing a food source for the larvae upon hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva, also known as a maggot, is legless and pale. It feeds voraciously, growing quickly and molting several times. It is distinctly different in shape and function from the adult.
Pupal The mature larva forms a pupa, often a reddish-brown cocoon-like structure. Within it, the flesh fly undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing its body into the adult form. This is a non-feeding and typically immobile stage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult flesh fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Flesh fly
9 - 13 mm
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Predators of Flesh fly Larvae
Amphibians such as frogs and toads, various bird species, arachnids like jumping spiders, insect predators such as mantises, reptiles such as geckos, predatory insects like hoverflies and dragonflies
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Predators of Adult Flesh fly
Birds, spiders, insects like dragonflies, mammals such as bats
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Interesting Facts About Flesh fly
Flesh fly larvae can differentiate between male and female hosts, choosing to infest males preferentially as they decompose at a slower rate.
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Scientific Classification of Flesh fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Flesh fly
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Youth Habitat of Flesh fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Flesh fly Through Different Life Stages
To observe the different life stages of flesh fly, start by scanning for adult flies around sources of carrion, garbage, or feces where they are commonly found and lay their eggs. For eggs and larvae, one should inspect these nutritive substrates, especially meat, animal carcasses, or open wounds. The larvae, also known as maggots, are particularly prevalent in decomposing organic matter. As for the pupae, search underneath the top layer of soil, leaf litter, or in crevices near these feeding sites, as they migrate slightly away from their food source to pupate. Each growth stage frequents environments rich in organic decay, though their specific locations within vary with progress.
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Harmful Effects of Flesh fly
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Cause Disease in Humans

Flesh fly poses a health risk by potentially transmitting pathogens as it develops in decaying matter and frequents human habitats. It can spread bacteria causing enteric diseases through contact with food. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal distress, potentially escalating to severe dehydration if untreated.

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How Does the Flesh fly Practice Parasitism?

The larvae of flesh fly exhibit endoparasitism, typically hatching inside the host after eggs are deposited. Acting as internal parasites, they feed on their hosts, causing severe tissue damage which can lead to secondary infections or even death of the host.

More Effects of Flesh fly

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