Diptera- winged insects. With only one pair of wings and these are membranous.

Brachycera- Antenna usually short, and with 5 or fewer distinct segments, or distal segments partially fused, often highly modified and ending in a narrow style or bristle like aritsa.

Calypterate- ptilinal structure present. Transverse structure of mesonotum complete, lower calupter usually large.

Sarcophagidae- meropleruon with row or group of bristles and pteropleuron with 1 or more bristles, vein M1 almost always strongly bend forwards. Subscutellum not well developed, arosta usually plumose at least in part. Colour non-metalic, thorax with longitudinal stripes. Arista usually plumose at least in part.