Bluebottle Flies
ExploreInsects
Bluebottle Flies
Calliphora
Blowflies, or Bluebottle Flies, are shiny blue insects that love to buzz around. They help nature by cleaning up waste and are often seen in gardens and parks.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Bluebottle Fly has a distinctive metallic, iridescent blue-green body, often appearing quite bristly. Its large, reddish-brown compound eyes and transparent wings complete its robust appearance, making it easily distinguishable from common house flies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCalliphoridaeGenusCalliphora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A female bluebottle can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her short lifetime!
Bluebottle maggots are sometimes used by doctors to clean wounds!
Forensic scientists use these flies to tell how long ago someone died!
Their tiny ears are actually on their antennae, helping them hear sounds!
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Locator
Bluebottle Flies can locate decaying matter miles away with super-sensitive antennae, helping them find food and egg-laying sites.
Ability
Rapid Recycler
Bluebottle Flies' larvae (maggots) break down dead animals and decaying organic matter incredibly fast, cleaning up the environment.
Ability
Precision Pilot
Bluebottle Flies can hover, fly backwards, and make sharp turns instantly, using agile wings and advanced flight muscles.
Ability
Temperature Tracker
Bluebottle Flies can sense subtle temperature changes, guiding them to warm, fresh carrion for egg laying.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 12-24 mm
- Size
- 8-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-25 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Bluebottle flies mostly feast on decaying organic matter, especially dead animals and sometimes sugary liquids.
Age differences: Larvae (maggots) primarily consume decaying animal flesh, while adults feed on a wider range including nectar, fruit juices, and carrion.
Primary Foods
- Carrion
- Feces
- Nectar
- Fruit juices
- Decaying plants
Foraging Methods
- Scavenging
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
Adults and larvae provide food for birds.
eats
Domestic cattle
Bos taurus
Maggots decompose the remains of dead livestock.
pollinates
Lords-and-ladies
Arum maculatum
Attracted by scent, they help pollinate certain flowers.
eaten by
Jewel Wasp
Nasonia vitripennis
Parasitic wasp larvae consume fly pupae.
Traits
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
BlowflyBluebottle
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch flies, as they can carry germs. Just watch them from a distance!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bluebottle Flies's wingspan?
12-24 mm
How big is Bluebottle Flies?
8-12 mm
How long does Bluebottle Flies live?
15-25 days
How fast can Bluebottle Flies fly?
8 km/h
What does Bluebottle Flies eat?
Bluebottle flies mostly feast on decaying organic matter, especially dead animals and sometimes sugary liquids.
Where is Bluebottle Flies usually found?
Urban areas
How does Bluebottle Flies hunt?
Scavenging and Foraging
How many legs does Bluebottle Flies have?
6
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