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Blue bottle fly

Blue bottle fly

Calliphora vomitoria

A species of Calliphora, Also known as Orange-bearded bluebottle, Orange-bearded blue bottle, Bluebottle, A blow fly

Calliphora vomitoria is 1.02 - 1.5 cm long, almost twice the size of a housefly. The head and thorax are dull gray, the back of head has long yellow-orange setae and the abdomen is bright metallic blue with black markings. Its body and legs are covered with black bristle-like hair. It has short, clubbed antennae and 4 tarsi per leg. The eyes are red and the wings are transparent. The legs and antennae are black and pink. The chest is bright purple and has spikes to protect itself from other flies.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
General Info About Blue bottle fly
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Attributes of Blue bottle fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
leaf; flower
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, plant sap, fruit juices, honeydew, decaying organic matter
Larva Food Source
Decaying flesh, fecal matter, organic refuse, rotting fruit, animal carcasses
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Blue bottle fly 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
The Blue bottle fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Blue bottle fly
It is common and widespread in England and Wales.
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Distribution Area of Blue bottle fly
Throughout the world
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Appearance of Blue bottle fly
Blue bottle fly is a small insect that is blue, green, or black overall, with a metallic luster on the outside and hair on the body. The abdomen is blue or blue-green with black markings.
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How to Identify Blue bottle fly?

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Life Cycle of Blue bottle fly
Egg Blue bottle fly begins its life cycle as a small, ovoid egg, usually laid in decaying matter or feces. The eggs are typically white to cream-colored and measure about 1-2 mm in length.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of blue bottle fly, also known as maggots, are legless and have a creamy-white color with a soft, elongated body. They feed voraciously, increasing in size, and go through several molts.
Pupal After reaching adequate size and going through several larval instars, blue bottle fly enters the pupal stage. The creature forms a hard, brownish protective case called a puparium, within which the larvae metamorphose into adults.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult blue bottle fly exhibits a robust body, metallic blue or green coloration, and fully developed wings. They are sexually mature and focus on reproduction and feeding on nectar or decaying material.
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Adult Size of Blue bottle fly
1.3 cm
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Predators of Blue bottle fly Larvae
Ants, beetles, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Blue bottle fly
Birds, rodents, spiders, frogs, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Blue bottle fly
Members of blue bottle fly are key players in forensic studies due to their predictable developmental rates, which help in estimating time of death.
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Scientific Classification of Blue bottle fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Blue bottle fly
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Youth Habitat of Blue bottle fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Blue bottle fly
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Blue bottle fly
Decomposing organic matter such as meat or fish would be an effective bait to use in traps intended to capture adult blue bottle fly, as they are attracted to such materials for laying eggs.
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Habitat Preferences of Blue bottle fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of blue bottle fly are typically laid on decomposing meat, garbage, or in open wounds of mammals. To locate these, one might search in offal, dumpsters, or areas where carrion is present. Larvae, or maggots, primarily inhabit decomposing tissue; thus, investigating carrion, spoiled meat, or infected tissue is necessary to find them. Pupae often reside in the soil nearby these sources of food or hidden within crevices to provide protection during their transition to adulthood. For adults, common areas to seek out include places abundant in food sources such as farms, abattoirs, and waste disposal sites, where they feed and lay their eggs to continue their life cycle.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Blue bottle fly
The best time to locate blue bottle fly would be during warmer months, as they are more active in warmer temperatures. Morning and late afternoon may be the best times of day when adults are most likely flying and searching for food or oviposition sites.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Blue bottle fly
Slightly humid and overcast weather conditions may be ideal for finding blue bottle fly, as these conditions are not too dry for them to become dehydrated and not too wet to impede flight.
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How and Where Can You Find Blue bottle fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Blue bottle fly eggs are typically laid on decomposing flesh. To find them, locate rotting meat and carefully inspect it for clusters of small white eggs.
Larva Blue bottle fly larvae, commonly known as maggots, can be found in similar decomposing materials as the eggs. Searching in rotting meat or carcasses and looking for rice-like larvae within the substrate is sensible.
Pupal Blue bottle fly pupae are often found in the soil or substrate near the original food source. They may be identified by looking for dark brown to black, cocoon-like structures in the nearby soil or litter.
Adult Adult blue bottle fly can typically be found near waste or rotting material, as they are attracted to these for feeding and egg-laying. Use baited traps or simply observe these areas, especially during the late afternoon.
Are Blue bottle fly harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Blue bottle fly
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Pathogenic
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Cause Disease in Humans

Blue bottle fly can transmit diseases to humans by contaminating food with bacteria and pathogens. Larvae infestations in tissues, myiasis, are a direct risk, while indirect risks include vectoring diseases like dysentery. Symptoms vary from diarrhea to severe tissue damage. Long-term, untreated cases may lead to serious complications.

More Effects of Blue bottle fly

Beneficial Effects of Blue bottle fly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
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
Stage
Larvae
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains
Blue bottle fly plays an essential role in breaking down and recycling nutrients from dead animals and plant remains. As larvae, they can consume huge amounts of organic material, aiding decomposition and nutrient cycling. These organisms have a remarkable ability to find decomposing matter due to their keen sense of smell, vastly contributing to the ecosystem's health.
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