Flesh Flies
Flesh flies are known to breed on decaying flesh and open wounds, hence the name. Larger than house flies but sometimes mistaken due to some resemblences. Though they don't bite flesh flies can be annoying as they have been known to pester outside areas in annoying numbers. They rarely invade buildings.
- Fly Species
- flesh flies, sarcophagid flies, red eyed flies
- Family: Sarcophagidae
- Genus: Sarcophaga (Latin for "flesh eating")
- Locations
- Widely distributed throughout the world, though species varies and are very difficult to identify.
- Generally only males can be identified, and then only by examination of genitalia.
- Size
- Identify
- Grayish in color, with 3 distinct dark stripes on thorax with a red tip.
- Gray and black checkerboard pattern on the abdomen.
- Some species have prominent red eyes.
- Life Cycle
- Some species, eggs hatch within the body of the fly, while others lay eggs.
- Once the larvae are hatched or deposited, the flesh fly maggots feed for 3-10 days and develop through 3 stages called "instars".
- Once they are ready to pupate, they descend into the soil for 5-7 days before emerging as adults.
- Flesh Fly pupae can remain dormant over autumn and emerge in the spring.
- Breeding
- Animal carcasses are the primary breeding site, but also breed in animal feces and decaying material.
- They have been also known to infest open wounds.
- Feeding
- Adult flies feed on a wide range of sugar-containing liquid substances such as nectar, sap, fruit juices and honeydew.
- Also known to eat decaying vegetable matter and excrement and may be found around compost piles and pit latrines.
- The larvae feed on decaying flesh, excrement and wounds of animals.
- The larvae of some species are beneficial as they prey on eggs, nymphs, or larvae of more harmful insects.
- Congregation
- Seldom enter houses or food establishments, but are frequently found around animal carcasses and dog runs.
- Health Importance
- Flesh flies can carry leprosy bacilli and can transmit intestinal pseudomyiasis to people who eat the flesh-fly larvae.
- Some species can also cause myiasis, blood poisoning, or asymptomatic leprosy infections in animals, mostly sheep.
- How to Kill / Control
- To get rid of flesh flies:
- Eliminate breeding grounds
- Sanitation
- Use Fly Traps, Fly Zappers, and Fly Sprays to kill adult flies
- View our Fly Control page for extended information on these methods.
- Extra Info
- Forensic entomologists use the larvae of flesh flies collected at the site of murder victims, to help pin-point the time of death, as different species of flesh lies prefer bodies in different states of decomposition.
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