A Flesh Fly (Sarcophaga spp.) Encounter at the Industrial Area in Sharjah

 

The Flesh Fly, Sarcophaga spp. 

They have a pair characteristically smooth, red compound eyes

Flesh flies are generally larger than the housefly and blowflies 

The three darkened longitudinal stripes on the thorax

It was another hot, summer afternoon, I have just concluded a site visit and client meeting at the Industrial Area of Sharjah. As I was on my way back to the car, a large fly darted as it passed my right side, I heard its distinct buzz sound as it landed on the pavement, up again and unto the potted plants nearby. The large fly foraging by the road side is the Flesh Fly, Sarcophaga spp. 

Flesh Flies, Sarcophaga spp. (DIPTERA: SARCOPHAGIDAE)

The common name "flesh fly" was derived from the habit of the larvae (maggots) of most species to feed and develop in spoiled meat and decaying flesh. 

Flesh flies are relatively large, robust flies. The adults are 6-11mm long, with a pair of smooth red compound eyes, blackish gray body with a checkered pattern abdomen. There are 3 distinct dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax. The mouthparts are of the sponging type designed for lapping liquids from sugars and decomposing organic matter. 

Flesh fly larvae are white to pale yellowish, 9.5-20mm long, eyeless, legless and tapered towards the head from its large rounded rear segment. These maggots have hook-like mouthparts that tease apart the tissues of their host. (THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL INTENSE)!

Distribution of Flesh Flies, Sarcophaga spp.

Flesh flesh are widely distributed world wide. There are 2500 reported species of Sarcophagidae.

Biodynamics Notes

Female flesh flies are ovoviparous - opportunistically depositing hatched or hatching maggots instead of eggs on dead animals, feces and decomposing organic materials and even on the open wound of a mammal. Around 20-40 live maggots can be deposited on the carcass. For a single season a female can produce >300 eggs.

Preferred flesh flies larval breeding and feeding sites include decomposing meat, garbage, animal carcass and manure. 

In residential and commercial premises, its is important to check and properly deal with these filth flies pest prevalence factors: 1) crags on walls where dead birds got stuck, 2) animal droppings that are hidden or left unclean underneath furniture and appliances, 3) open pits in the gardens where there is accumulation of pet droppings, 4) open and uncollected garbage bins with animal waste and used diapers.  

Total developmental period varies from 15-26 days influenced by food and environmental conditions. Adult lifespan of flesh flies 15-21 days.

Because of their association with dead animals and well studied life development periods (especially the maggots), these large flies are utilized for FORENSIC INVESTIGATION purposes.

Due to the association with animal carcass and other filthy conditions, flesh flies are considered MEDICALLY IMPORTANT filth flies as they can carry and transmit leprosy bacilli and the pathogens that cause diarrhea and dysentery and also MYIASIS (= infection of a fly maggot on a human tissue). 

Some species of flesh flies are known as parasites of snails, wasps, grasshoppers, beetles and acting as biological control agents. 

IPM RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Inspection. Inspection. Inspection. Conduct detailed inspection of the area to determine filth flies entry points, breeding, feeding areas and other structural factors favoring their presence. 

2. Larval breeding sites removal. Keep area clean and dispose garbage properly (especially animal waste and decaying organic materials). 

3. Exclusion procedures. Proper door management, repair and secure all window and door screens. 

4. Insect Light Traps. Strategic installation of insect light traps indoors to capture the flying intruders.

5. Outdoor Fly Bottle Traps. Strategic installation of fly bottle traps on applicable areas outdoors to minimize numbers (just be cautious on your bottle trap placement points as the contents of the fly bottle traps will get stinky).

6. Targeted chemical treatments. Application of residual insecticide or chemical fly bait formulations on appropriate fly resting sites. (READ, UNDERSTAND and FOLLOW the PESTICIDE LABEL always).     

Flesh flies are included in the dreaded group of large filth flies (houseflies, blowflies), wherein their population development is highly influenced by the factors human activity creates! Meaning, more filth from humans means more favorable factors  available for filth flies!

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com