flesh fly

noun

1. any fly of the family Sarcophagidae, comprising species that deposit their eggs or larvae in carrion or in the flesh of living animals.

flesh fly

noun

1. any dipterous fly of the genus Sarcophaga , esp S. carnaria , whose larvae feed on carrion or the tissues of living animals: family Calliphoridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of flesh fly¹

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325

Example Sentences

The larva of the common bee, and that of the flesh-fly, and some others, are among this number.

From Project Gutenberg

The flesh fly's maggots, though incomparable liquefiers, know nothing of this peril, even in a puddle of carrion broth.

From Project Gutenberg

From time to time, the bluebottle and the flesh fly perch on the trellis-work, make a short investigation and then decamp.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact remains that, despite the attraction of the scent, the flesh fly does not expose her worms to disproportionate falls.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the bluebottle, the flesh fly and other flies whose grubs batten on dead bodies are kept at a proper distance.

From Project Gutenberg