Metallic Hister Beetle vs Satellite Flesh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Hister Beetle Satellite Flesh Fly
Scientific Name Saprinus semistriatus Sarcophaga africa
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Histeridae Sarcophagidae
Size 3-5 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Carrion Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Africa, Asia, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Metallic Hister Beetle

A small beetle with a metallic blue-green sheen found on carrion and sun-dried carcasses. It is frequently used in forensic entomology studies.

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Did You Know?

Its predictable arrival timeline on corpses makes it a valuable indicator for forensic investigators estimating time since death.

Satellite Flesh Fly

A tropical flesh fly that deposits larvae on carcasses and open wounds. It can cause myiasis in livestock and occasionally in humans.

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Did You Know?

It can complete its entire larval development in carrion in as little as four days in warm conditions.