Details
Calliphora vomitoria
The common blue bottle fly is a large blowfly with a metallic blue abdomen. Adults visit flowers, while larvae feed on carrion, making the species important in forensic entomology.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It is widespread across Europe, North America, Africa and other regions, occurring in rural areas, grassland, woodland edges and towns. Carrion, refuse and dead animals attract it.
Adults are about 10-14 mm long, larger than a housefly. A gray thorax, metallic blue abdomen, red eyes and black bristles are conspicuous.
Diurnal and active in warm seasons, it flies strongly between odors and flowers. Decay smells are especially attractive to females seeking egg sites.
Adults lap nectar and similar fluids, while larvae feed on carrion and decomposing organic matter. Egg-laying on remains can help estimate time since death.
Females lay eggs on carrion, garbage or feces. Larvae grow quickly, then move to a drier place and pupate.
The species contributes to decomposition and nutrient cycling but can also be a sanitation concern. Development rate varies with local temperature, which matters in forensic use.
