Flesh Fly (Sarcophaga sp, Sarcophagidae), Redwood City, San Mateo County, California - July 2008. Basking on a leaf. Thanks to E. Eaton and Bug Guide for identification.
San Diego County, California, US
I found it under a dead tree by the Wetlands of University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Flies of the Diptera family Sarcophagidae (from the Greek sarco- = flesh, phage = eating; the same roots as the word "sarcophagus") are commonly known as flesh flies. Most flesh flies breed in carrion, dung, or decaying material, but a few species lay their eggs in the open wounds of mammals; hence their common name. Some flesh fly larvae are internal parasites of other insects. These larvae, commonly known as maggots, live for about 5-10 days,...
