Sarcophaga carnaria, common name “Flesh Fly” (Macquart 1834)

Size varies: males on average are slightly smaller, females up to 18mm in body length.
Family: Sarcophagidae (the word itself derived from the Greek words meaning “flesh-eating”).

Widespread throughout Europe, although less common in parts of Spain

Flight period: All year round. More frequently seen in April to October.

Habitat: Various habitats are favoured where carrion is present, the adults also feed on fluids from animal bodies, nectar, decaying vegetable matter, sweet foods, fluids from animal waste and various organic materials.

Unusually instead of laying eggs, the female “Flesh Fly” lays small larvae on rotting carcasses or dung. The larvae (maggots) typically feed on decaying meat and also the bacteria and other small organisms living in the carrion that may get in the way, very quickly reaching full size in just a few days; they then burrow into the soil to pupate. Late in the year when the larvae are laid, they will pupate throughout the winter months; then in the spring they will emerge as adult flies.