Muscidae and Other Families February 18, 2008

Sarcophagidae Flesh flies >2000 species Larvae of most species breed in meat Difficult to ID species--usually genitalia Large--4-16 mm Grey and black, stripes and checkerboard

Sarcophagidae Global distribution Sarcophaga haemorrhordalis Mostly attracted to carrion Fly in rain, may be first to reach corpse Otherwise arrive after blowflies Feces

Sarcophagidae Females deposit live 1st instar larvae viviparous or larviviparous Approx. 30-40 per female At the moment, not commonly used in investigations

Muscidae Large fly group Includes number of species of economic/public health importance House fly, face fly, stable fly, horn fly, latrine fly

General Adult Appearance Frontal suture on head 3 segmented antenna with subterminal arista Wing with 1-3 posterior cells on wing Has large calypteres Meron bare

Musca domestica House fly Everywhere there are humans 6-9 mm Dull grey body, 4 longitudinal stripes Wings held apart when at rest 1st attracted to excrement, follows blow flies to carrion

Hydrotaea sp. Dump flies All over US Common on excrement during hot months < 6 mm Occurs late in succession--after 4-5 months 2nd/3rd instars facultative predators

Fannia sp. Lesser/little house fly, latrine fly 6-7 mm, everywhere Dull brown to black 3 stripes on thorax Larvae small and flat with lateral processes on each segment Active during summer Larvae in liquified material

Muscina sp. False stable flies Throughout US Most active during summer, somewhat active year- round 8-10 mm--slightly larger than houseflies w/ heavier bodies Pale tip on scutellum Attracted to carrion in late stages of decay Able to reach shallow bodies 3rd instar larvae are predaceous

Synthesiomyia nudiseta 7-10 mm (one of larger muscids) Grey w/ checkered abdomen 4 longitudinal stripes Palps on antennae yellow-orange Terminal segment yellow (not red) Larvae large and predaceous Will eat C. rufifacies Puparia in silky white substance soil adheres

Sepsidae Black Scavenger Flies Adults 2.3-3.5 mm Look like parasitic wasps Spherical head, clear wings with dark spot at tip Tiny maggots <5 mm All over US, active in Texas as long as over 45-50 F Fee predominantly on dung, but sometimes on carrion

Piophilidae Skipper flies Gnat-like insects--< 5 mm Shiny blue-black, lower legs yellow Small larvae 6-9 mm Can jump/skip Adults found on body early, larvae late Life cycle 11 days (or more)

Phoridae Scuttle Flies, coffin flies Run in jerky manner Most active in later stages of decay Able to dig down to coffins ~0.5 m in a few days Can complete life cycle under ground 55 million flies--60 days

Any questions?