Some common larvae or “maggots” found on human remains. Chrysomya rufifacies (left), one of the hairy maggot blow flies, was introduced into the United States in the late 1980’s and has now established itself over the southern US from Florida to California. During the warm summer months, this species can be found as far North as Michigan. Hydrotaea aenescens (center), the bronze dump fly, is common on decomposing remains when fecal material or exposed gut contents are present. Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis (right), one of the red-tailed flesh flies, is a common occurrence on carcasses in the early and advanced stages of decomposition. This species typically arrives along with the early arriving greenbottle blow flies, which they quickly outgrow. This species can be recovered throughout the year in the southern United States, and the larvae can live in moist semi-aquatic habitats that would be unsuitable to many other fly species.
Dr. J. H. Byrd
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