Efferocytosis is the process by which phagocytes recognize, engulf, and digest (or clear) apoptotic cells during development. Impaired efferocytosis is associated with developmental defects and autoimmune diseases. InDrosophila melanogaster, recognition of apoptotic cells requires phagocyte surface receptors, including the scavenger receptor CD36-related protein, Croquemort (Crq, encoded bycrq). In fact, Crq expression is upregulated in the presence of apoptotic cells, as well as in response to excessive apoptosis. Here, we identified a novel genebfc(booster for croquemort), which plays a role in efferocytosis, specifically the regulation of thecrqexpression. We found that Bfc protein interacts with the zinc finger domain of the GATA transcription factor Serpent (Srp), to enhance its direct binding to thecrqpromoter; thus, they function together in regulatingcrqexpression and efferocytosis. Overall, we show that Bfc serves as a Srp co-factor to upregulate the transcription of thecrqencoded receptor, and consequently boosts macrophage efferocytosis in response to excessive apoptosis. Therefore, this study clarifies how phagocytes integrate apoptotic cell signals to mediate efferocytosis.