The red-tailed flesh fly, Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis (adult female). Flies in the family Sarcophagidae deposit living first instar larvae. They “skip” the egg stage required by the blow flies. Therefore, large egg masses will not be visible on remains colonized by these flies. An adult female Sarcophagid fly deposits a fewer number of living first instar larvae than female blowflies do when depositing their eggs. Thus, in most cases, their overall abundance on decomposing remains is less than egg laying flies but their larger size makes them highly visible.
Dr. J. H. Byrd
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