Blow Flies
Brief overview of blow flies
The blow fly or “bottle fly” is a very common species of fly and is found living all over the world. There are approximately 80 species of blow flies living in North America. Blow flies are usually the first species of insect to come into contact with carrion. Blow fly females lay their eggs on deceased animals, which their larvae use as a food source.
What do blow flies look like?
The adult blow fly grows slightly larger than the very common housefly; between 1/8th and 5/8th of an inch in length. They can be metallic green, blue, black, or bronze in color; their very metallic appearance is often what helps to identify this species of fly. The blow fly’s worm-like larvae (maggots) are pale yellow to white in color. Their back end is larger and rounder than their tapered head; they have hook-like mouthparts and are eyeless and legless.
Where am I likely to see blow flies?
