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
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Common green bottle fly

Common green bottle fly

Lucilia sericata

A species of Green bottle flies, Also known as Common European greenbottle fly, European green blow fly, Sheep-strike greenbottle, Sheep maggot fly

Since the larvae of the common green bottle fly feed only on dead tissue, they are sometimes used for maggot therapy, where the larvae are introduced into a human wound to remove the dead tissue. The adults will feed on feces as well as pollen and nectar, making them important pollinator insects.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
How Does the Common green bottle fly Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Common green bottle 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 Common green bottle fly
Habitat
fruit; meat; garbage dump; feces; dead animal; farm
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, sugary secretions, plant sap, fruit juices, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Dead tissue, decaying animal corpses, excrement, organic refuse, decomposing plant material
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common green 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
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Appearance of Common green bottle fly
Its body is 1 - 1.4 cm in length - slightly larger than a house fly - and has brilliant, metallic, blue-green or golden coloration with black markings. It has short, sparse black bristles (setae) and three cross-grooves on the thorax. The wings are clear with light brown veins, and the legs and antennae are black. The defining characteristic of Lucilia sericata and the one most used when identifying the adult fly is the presence of three bristles on the dorsal mesothorax, located on the middle of the back of the fly. The larvae are moderately sized, ranging from 1 - 1.4 cm long.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Common green bottle fly?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Common green bottle fly
Egg At this initial stage, the egg of common green bottle fly is minute and oval, typically laid in batches. Color varies from white to cream. The egg is non-mobile and serves solely as a development vessel.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of common green bottle fly, also known as a maggot, is soft-bodied, legless, and grows rapidly. It is pale and segmented, with mouth hooks for feeding on decomposing material.
Pupal The mature larva encases itself in a hard puparium, transitioning into the pupal stage. The common green bottle fly at this point is non-mobile, undergoing significant internal changes. The color darkens over time.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common green bottle fly develops fully formed wings, compound eyes, and a metallic sheen. The body is well-defined, hardened, and the adult is capable of flight and reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Common green bottle fly
9 - 14 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Common green bottle fly Larvae
Frogs and toads, birds, carabid beetles, ants, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Common green bottle fly
Birds, spiders, rodents, lizards, frogs and toads
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Common green bottle fly
Common green bottle fly larvae can help heal human wounds by eating dead tissue, thus promoting faster recovery and preventing infections.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Common green bottle fly
Tips for Finding Common green bottle 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
Youth Habitat of Common green bottle fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Common green bottle fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common green bottle fly are typically laid in decaying matter, such as carrion or feces. As larvae, they can be found burrowed into these substances, where they feed and grow. Upon becoming pupae, they often relocate to the surrounding soil or substrate to pupate. To find these growth stages, one would search spoiled meat or found in poorly managed livestock facilities for eggs, decomposing organic material or wound sites for larvae, and the nearby soil for pupae. The adult common green bottle fly is likely to be encountered hovering around flowers, feeding on nectar, or near potential sites for laying eggs.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Common green bottle fly
The best time to look for common green bottle fly is during warm days as they are more active when temperatures are higher.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Common green bottle fly
Common green bottle fly prefer moist and warm weather conditions, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Common green bottle fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Common green bottle fly eggs are usually laid on decaying organic materials. To find them, search for moist substrates rich in decaying matter such as compost or garbage piles.
Larva Common green bottle fly larvae, or maggots, are commonly found in decomposing flesh and waste. Search in the same environments as for the egg stage but look for wriggling small white larvae.
Pupal Common green bottle fly pupae can be found in soil or loose debris near the food sources. To find them, inspect the upper layer of soil or leaf litter in the vicinity of organic waste or carcasses.
Adult Common green bottle fly adults are attracted to odors of decay and can often be seen flying around decomposing materials or organic waste. Locate them by looking for flying insects near potential food sources or using bait traps set with decomposing meat or fish.
Are Common green bottle 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

The common green bottle fly carries pathogens that can infect other creatures and could potentially lead to disease. It is dangerous to humans, pets, or plants.

Rectangle

Are Common green bottle fly harmful to humans?

The common green bottle fly is a filth feeder that feeds on dead animals, trash, feces, and decomposing plant materials. They pick up bacteria and diseases, such as dysentery and salmonellosis, from their food sources and spread them to everything they touch. Humans can become ill just by touching and interacting with the surfaces and food that the common green bottle fly has touched. Common symptoms of dysentery or salmonellosis include cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, weakness, and fever. Consult a medical professional if you are experiencing these symptoms.
To prevent becoming sick, you need to prevent common green bottle fly infestations and keep your home sanitized. To prevent infestations, seal up any cracks, gaps. or holes in windows, doors, and other entryways. You can also use traps and insecticides to manage any flies that find their way into your home.
Harmful Effects of Common green bottle fly
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Pathogenic
Icon toxic for
Parasite
Rectangle
Cause Disease in Humans

Common green bottle fly can transmit pathogens leading to myiasis in humans, where larvae infest wounds. Risk escalates with poor hygiene or exposed flesh. Symptoms include tissue damage and discomfort. Severe cases cause extensive injury, secondary infections, and in rare cases, death. It's a treatable condition if diagnosed promptly.

Rectangle
How Does the Common green bottle fly Practice Parasitism?

Common green bottle fly is typically found parasitizing wounds and necrotic tissue in humans and other vertebrates such as sheep and cows. The larvae, also known as maggots, feed on the dead tissue, sometimes helping to clean the wound but also risking severe infection if not managed properly.

More Effects of Common green bottle fly

Beneficial Effects of Common green 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.
Download the App for Free
Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
Common green bottle fly are known for their larvae stage, during which they break down organic matter. They consume dead animals, plant remains, feces, food waste, and garbage. These larvae secrete digestive enzymes, allowing them to decompose tissue rapidly. This not only returns nutrients to the ecosystem but also helps in forensic applications to estimate the time of death.
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 Common green bottle 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