Flesh flies
Scientific name: Sarcophagidae
Flesh flies
Scientific name: Sarcophagidae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Unlike the blowflies that immediately lay eggs, the Sarcophagidae give birth to live larvae directly on carcass, dung, or decaying material, speeding up the decomposition process and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This unique reproductive strategy not only distinguishes them from many other fly families but underscores their importance in forensic science for estimating time of death in legal cases. Moreover, the adult Sarcophagidae are not just scavengers; many are also important pollinators, unexpectedly contributing to plant reproduction.
Species of Flesh flies
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original