The Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of Kermanshah, Western Iran, With the First Record of Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) Bellae Lehrer From Iran; [Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) Bellae Lehrer ﻪﻧﻮﮔ ﯽﻓﺮﻌﻣ ﺎﺑ ان، ﺮﯾ ب ا ﺮﻏ ه در ﺎﺸﻧﺎﻣﺮﮐ ﺖﺷﻮﮔ ي ﺎﻫ ﺲﮕﻣ ر ﻮﺸﮐ ات ﺮﺸﺣ ن ﻮﻓ اي ﺮﺑ ﺪﯾﺪﺟ رد ﻮﮐ ان ر ﻮﻨﻋ ﻪﺑ Sarcophagidae (Diptera)] Publisher



Azizi Z ; Oshaghi MA ; Sedaghat MM ; Azam K ; Choubdar N ; Akbarzadeh K
Source: Journal of Entomological Society of Iran Published:2026

Abstract

Despite previous studies on necrophagous flies in Iran, the diversity and distribution of Sarcophagidae species in the country’s western regions remain underreported. This study examines Sarcophagidae in Kermanshah city, western Iran, in 2018 through morphological and molecular analysis of 142 male flesh fly specimens. Eight Sarcophaga species were identified, all representing new provincial records. Sarcophaga variegata was the most prevalent species. In contrast, Sarcophaga flagellifera and Wohlfahrtia nuba were rare. Notably, Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) bellae was documented for the first time in Iran, with its presence confirmed by morphological examination and mtDNA-COI DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analysis placed S. bellae within a distinct clade alongside Sarcophaga noverca, Sarcophaga rosellei, and Sarcophaga agnata, highlighting its close relationship with other Helicophagella subgenus. The addition of S. bellae provides a medically important species for Iran’s insect fauna, as its potential to cause myiasis and aid in forensic entomology investigations. This study broadens our understanding of Sarcophagidae diversity in western Iran, contributing a valuable baseline for forensic entomology and underscoring the importance of faunistic surveys in previously unexplored regions. © 2026 by Author(s),