Grey Flesh Fly

Description:

Sarcophaga is a genus of true flies, the type of the flesh-fly family (Sarcophagidae). These flies are generally well-sized and of a greyish color; like many of their relatives, the typical patterns are lengthwise darker stripes on the thorax and dark and light square dots on the abdomen. Many have conspicuous red compound eyes. These are set further apart in females than in males; the females are also larger on average. As the common name implies, their larvae typically feed on decaying meat. Some, however, rather eat the bacteria and other small organisms living on carrion.

Habitat:

Seen at La Selva Biological Research Station. This genus occurs essentially worldwide.