Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects

Hairy maggot blow fly

Chrysomya rufifacies

A species of Hairy maggot blow flies

The hairy maggot blow fly can be readily identified by examining for a shiny metallic blue-green color, a pale genal dilation, and a vestiture of the anterior thoracic spiracle that is pale in color. The mature adult is about 6 - 12 mm in length. The use of a microscope allows the investigator to identify setae on the fly's meron, a greater ampulla with stiff erect setae, black first and second abdominal tergites, and a black posterior margin of the third and fourth abdominal tergites.

General Info About Hairy maggot blow fly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Hairy maggot blow fly
Habitat
C. rufifacies can be found in a wide variety of human habitats. The fly is native to Australia and has been recently expanding greatly in distribution. Its wide distribution is due to natural dispersal and transportation through airplanes, boats, or automobiles. It occupies an altitudinal range from sea level to 1,250 m, 1,400 m, or 2,100 m. The first appearance of the species in the continental United States occurred in the 1980s. The species is now established in Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. It is expected to eventually occupy most of the United States in the near future. Due to rapid dispersion of the species, it has become the dominant blow fly on human cadavers in north and central Florida, while C. megacephala continues to be dominant in southern Florida.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, decaying fruit, plant exudates, animal feces, organic waste
Larva Food Source
Decaying flesh, necrotic tissue of dead animals, carrion, dead insects, organic matter in decaying wounds
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Hairy maggot blow fly
Egg The hairy maggot blow fly begins as an egg, often laid in clusters. These eggs are small, elongated, and whitish. Over time, they swell slightly and the embryo can sometimes be seen inside before hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of hairy maggot blow fly appears worm-like, with a segmented body and mouthparts adapted for feeding. It lacks true legs and undergoes several molts, growing rapidly in size with each stage.
Pupal The hairy maggot blow fly enters the pupal stage, encapsulated within a dark, hardened puparium. During this stage, the creature transforms internally, developing adult structures. This immobile phase can last several days to weeks.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult hairy maggot blow fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of Hairy maggot blow fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, carabid beetles, ants, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Hairy maggot blow fly
Birds, spiders, mantises, wasps, ants, dragonflies
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Hairy maggot blow fly
Tips for Finding Hairy maggot blow fly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Hairy maggot blow fly
Pieces of meat or fish can serve as effective bait to trap hairy maggot blow fly, as they are attracted to the scent of decomposing flesh.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Hairy maggot blow fly Through Different Life Stages
For the growth and development stages of hairy maggot blow fly, eggs are typically deposited on decomposing organic matter such as carcasses or wounds. The larval stage is also found in these environments, engaging in saprophagous or carnivorous feeding behavior. As for the pupal stage, hairy maggot blow fly often pupates in soil nearby the larval food source, seeking a drier and cooler location. In the adult stage, hairy maggot blow fly is commonly encountered in open and sunny areas, often near places with ample food sources like dumpsters, animal feces, or carcasses. Hence, when looking for hairy maggot blow fly, one should check decomposing organic matter, examine adjacent soil, and explore open, sunny areas near potential nutritional sources.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Hairy maggot blow fly
The most suitable time to find adult hairy maggot blow fly is during the warmer hours of the day as they are more active, while the larvae are present throughout and can be collected when inspecting decomposing matter.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Hairy maggot blow fly
Warm and humid weather conditions are ideal for finding hairy maggot blow fly as these conditions speed up decomposition and attract more hairy maggot blow fly to the site for feeding and breeding.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Hairy maggot blow fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of hairy maggot blow fly are often laid in clusters in or near decomposing organic matter. Search for them by examining carcasses, spoiled meat, or garbage where the smell of decay is present.
Larva Hairy maggot blow fly larvae, also known as maggots, are typically found in decomposing tissue. To find them, look in areas where dead animals are located or where meat waste is present.
Pupal Hairy maggot blow fly pupae can be found in the soil or in dry, concealed places near the last feeding site. They are oval and darken as they age. Seek them out by sifting through soil or leaf litter near the suspected breeding site.
Adult Adult hairy maggot blow fly can be found flying around areas where there is decomposing material or by setting up traps with bait such as spoiled meat. They are also attracted to bright lights at night.
Are Hairy maggot blow fly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Hairy maggot blow 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.
Download the App for Free
Decomposers
Decomposers
Stage
Larvae
Hairy maggot blow fly primarily acts as a decomposer during its larval stage, where it feeds on dead animals and feces. These larvae have specialized mouthparts that enable them to break down tough organic materials, which hastens the decomposition process. This not only recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem but also helps control the spread of diseases by disposing of decomposing matter.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Hairy maggot blow fly
Black blow fly
Black blow fly

The black blow fly can be important in forensic investigations since these flies are attracted to decaying organic matter and will colonize a human corpse in a consistent time frame. The life cycle of the flies can be analyzed to narrow down a time of death. They are most often found in rural areas, particularly near sources of water.

Read More
Arrow
Locust blowfly
Locust blowfly

Distinctive for its striking appearance during flight, locust blowfly is an adept aerial acrobat, capable of hovering and swift maneuvers thanks to its specialized wing structure. Feasting primarily on nectar from flowers, this species contributes to pollination, playing an understated role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems they inhabit. Their larvae, however, diverge sharply in dietary preferences, feeding on the decomposing matter of dead animals, which assists in nutrient recycling in their habitats.

Read More
Arrow
Blue bottle fly
Blue bottle 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.

Read More
Arrow
Blue blowfly
Blue blowfly

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.

Read More
Arrow
Oriental latrine fly
Oriental latrine fly

The Chrysomya megacephala is an important species in forensic investigations since it colonizes human bodies shortly after death. Based on the life cycle of these flies relative to their arrival to a corpse, a time frame for death can be determined. They are found in warm areas, and they are also important pollinators of mangoes.

Read More
Arrow
Melanomya nana
Melanomya nana

Read More
Arrow
Secondary screwworm
Secondary screwworm

Cochliomyia macellaria is a fly species from the family of bluebottles (Calliphoridae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1775 by Fabricius.

Read More
Arrow
Cluster fly
Cluster fly

Cluster fly is a species found in varying environments, known for its fuzzy, yellowish larvae that play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter. As adults, they exhibit a distinctive metallic sheen and are often seen in cooler, shaded areas, particularly during autumn. What is notable is that they use a unique form of locomotion called 'rat-tailed larvae' to navigate their preferred moist habitats.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow