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Flies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER DIPTERA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Flies Order (Diptera)

-Brachyceran Flies (Suborder Brachycera)​

-Orthorrhaphan Flies (Infraorder Orthorrhapha)

-Soldier Flies and Allies (Parvorder Stratiomyomorpha)

-Soldier Flies (Family Stratiomyidae)

-Subfamily Sarginae​

-Genus Sargus


Soldier flies in the genus Sargus are, medium to large insects (typically 6–13 mm long) known for their brilliant, iridescent metallic bodies that often shimmer with shades of green, blue, or violet. They are characterized by elongated, slim abdomens and a distinctive pair of white spots on their faces, which are often more prominent in females. Adults are frequently seen sunbathing on foliage or visiting flowers for nectar in habitats like meadows and woodlands. Their larvae are terrestrial and dorsoventrally flattened, possessing a tough, leathery skin reinforced with calcium deposits. These larvae play a vital ecological role by feeding on decaying organic matter, such as compost, cow dung, and rotting vegetation, where they assist in the decomposition process.

Sargus Soldier Flies

Sargus (Genus)

Description

  • Sargus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae. Adults are small to medium-sized, slender flies with elongated bodies, relatively large eyes, short antennae, and narrow wings. Many species have a shiny metallic appearance, often green, blue-green, bronze, or black, while others have contrasting yellow or reddish markings.

Range

  • Sargus has a broad distribution, with species occurring in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The genus occurs in Mexico, including the Pacific coastal region, and species may be encountered around Zihuatanejo in suitable warm and vegetated habitats.

Habitat

  • Adults are associated with forests, woodland edges, scrub, grassland, gardens, agricultural areas, and other habitats with abundant vegetation. They are often found resting on foliage or visiting flowers. Larvae generally develop in moist, decaying organic material, including rotting vegetation, leaf litter, compost, manure, and other decomposing substrates.

Diet

  • Adults feed primarily on nectar, honeydew, and other sugary plant-derived liquids. Larvae generally consume decomposing organic material and associated microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Their activity contributes to the breakdown and recycling of organic matter.

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