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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures:
Size: 3 to 18 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American Species: 350
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Diptera Sarcophagidae
Flesh flies
Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Sarcophagidae are medium to large sized, robust flies, usually black with gray stripes on the thorax. The calypters at the base of the wings are well developed.
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Comments: Most larvae are scavengers and live in carrion, decaying organic matter, or dung. Some species feed on living tissues and will invade wounds. Some are internal parasites of other insects especially beetles and grasshoppers, and a few are internal parasites of vertebrates, including humans. Others are associated with the nests of bees and wasps and eat the materials stored for the developing host larvae.
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