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Blue blowfly

Blue blowfly

Calliphora vicina

A species of Calliphora, Also known as European blowfly, European bluebottle, Blow-fly bluebottle, A blow fly

The blue blowfly is a species that is used in forensic investigations to determine the time of death of a human, based on the consistent timeframe when this insect arrives to colonize the body. The adults arrive two days after death, and the total life cycle of the blue blowfly lasts about 18 days.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
General Info About Blue blowfly
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Attributes of Blue blowfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Blue
Habitat
carrion
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Blue blowfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Blue blowfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Appearance of Blue blowfly
Calliphora vicina is known as a blue bottle fly because of the metallic blue-gray coloration of its thorax and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 1 - 1.1 cm in length. The sclerites at the base of the coxa are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron and two to three bristles on the notopleuron.
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How to Identify Blue blowfly?

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Life Cycle of Blue blowfly
Egg The egg stage of blue blowfly is marked by a whitish, oval-shaped form. Eggs are minute, laid in clusters and hatch into larvae. They are usually deposited in decaying matter, are very small, and lack mobility.
Larva During the larval stage, blue blowfly appears as a legless maggot, pale in color, and undergoes significant growth. This stage has a voracious appetite and continually moults to accommodate rapid growth.
Pupal In the pupal stage, blue blowfly encases itself in a dark, hardened puparium. Inside, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, undetectable from the outside, where bodily structures and systems are being reorganized.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult blue blowfly is distinctive with its metallic blue or green coloration. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and sustenance.
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Adult Size of Blue blowfly
1 - 1.1 cm
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Predators of Blue blowfly Larvae
Ants, beetles, birds, frogs, spiders
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Predators of Adult Blue blowfly
Birds, rodents, spiders, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Blue blowfly
Despite its grim reputation, blue blowfly can help solve crimes by indicating the time since death in forensic investigations.
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Scientific Classification of Blue blowfly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Blue blowfly
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Youth Habitat of Blue blowfly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Blue blowfly Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of blue blowfly are typically laid on decomposing organic matter, such as carrion or feces, found in exposed or semi-exposed locations. The larvae, also known as maggots, develop within these substrates, feeding voraciously before migrating to drier, nearby sites to pupate. To look for larvae, search decomposing material in temperate regions during warmer seasons. Pupae are often found in soil or leaf litter close to the larval food source. The adult blue blowfly is common in various habitats but favors areas with ample food supply, such as urban environments near garbage or areas where carrion is present.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Blue blowfly
The adult blue blowfly are diurnal and most active during warm, sunny conditions, so searching during the day, particularly in the afternoon, may yield better chances of locating them.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Blue blowfly
Ideal weather conditions for finding blue blowfly include warm temperatures with low wind, as these conditions are favorable for their flight and activity patterns.
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How and Where Can You Find Blue blowfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Blue blowfly eggs are typically laid on decomposing organic matter. To find them, examine locations such as exposed garbage, compost, or dead animals, carefully checking for small, white clusters of eggs.
Larva Blue blowfly larvae, also known as maggots, can be found in decaying organic materials. They are larger than the eggs and are usually found burrowed deeply in meat or decomposed matter. To safely locate them, use gloves and gently dig into the decay.
Pupal Blue blowfly pupae are commonly found in soil or loose debris near the decaying matter where they fed as larvae. Look for them by sifting through soil and leaf litter within a few meters of a known larval feeding area.
Adult Adult blue blowfly can be attracted to traps baited with rotting meat or fish. They can also be found flying around or resting on surfaces in sunny areas during daylight hours. Look for them on flowers, walls, or windows where they might rest or feed on nectar or other liquids.
Are Blue blowfly harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Blue blowfly
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Pathogenic
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Cause Disease in Humans

Blue blowfly, known for their scavenging behavior, can act as vectors for several diseases in humans. They can spread pathogens by contact with food or open wounds. Infections may result in symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Chronic exposure could lead to serious complications such as gastroenteritis or even sepsis in high-risk scenarios.

More Effects of Blue blowfly

Beneficial Effects of Blue blowfly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
Blue blowfly larvae play a crucial role in nature by breaking down and recycling organic material. During the larval stage, they consume decomposing matter, aiding in the process of decomposition. These larvae are particularly important in the nutrient cycle as they help convert dead matter into forms usable by plants and other organisms. Intriguingly, forensic scientists can use blue blowfly's life cycle stages to estimate the time of death in criminal investigations.
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Blue bottle fly

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