Sarcophaga (Bercaea) africa is a species of fly belonging to the family Sarcophagidae, the flesh-flies. It is the best known species in its genus.[3] S. africa feeds on living and dead tissue, including snails, and other decomposing matter, and feces.[3][4]

Sarcophaga africa
Sarcophaga africa on a leaf in Portugal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Sarcophagidae
Genus: Sarcophaga
Subgenus: Bercaea
Species:
S. africa
Binomial name
Sarcophaga africa
Synonyms

Sarcophaga africa is a synanthropic species known to cause myiasis in humans[3][5] and livestock.[3] The species is considered useful in forensic entomology due to this quality.[6][7] S. africa is coprophagus, lays eggs in feces, and can be cultured from human and animal feces.[3] The fly also lays eggs in decaying flesh and can be cultured from the decaying matter.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Wiedemann, Christian Rudolph Wilhelm (1824). Munus rectoris in Academia Christiana Albertina aditurus Analecta entomologica ex Museo Regio Havniens: maxime congesta profert iconibusque illustrat. Kiliae,eregio typoguapheo scholarum. pp. 1–60. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Biological Library". 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Baker, G. M. (2004). Natural Enemies of Terrestrial Molluscs. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: CABI Pub. ISBN 978-0-85199-319-5.
  4. ^ Pérez-Moreno, S; MA Marcos-García; S Rojo (February 2006). "Comparative morphology of early stages of two Mediterranean Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826 (Diptera; Sarcophagidae) and a review of the feeding habits of Palaearctic species". Micron. 37 (2): 169–179. doi:10.1016/j.micron.2005.07.013. hdl:10045/8512. PMID 16182548.
  5. ^ "Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology" (PDF). 2004. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2011-07-23.
  6. ^ "Development of DNA-Based Identification Techniques for Forensic Entomology. Phase 2" (PDF).
  7. ^ K.A. Williams, K. A.; M.H. Villet (January–February 2006). "A history of southern African research relevant to forensic entomology". South African Journal of Science. 102: 59–65.