Bluebottle Fly
ExploreInsects
Bluebottle Fly
Calliphora vomitoria
The Bluebottle Fly is a shiny blue fly that is often seen buzzing around. They are important for breaking down waste in nature!
Habitat: Gardens, farms, and urban areas
Appearance
The Bluebottle Fly has a stout, hairy body with a striking metallic blue or greenish-blue sheen. It has large, prominent reddish-brown compound eyes, which are quite noticeable. Its transparent wings help distinguish it from smaller, duller houseflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCalliphoridaeGenusCalliphora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Bluebottle flies can buzz their wings up to 180 times every second.
Forensic scientists use bluebottle flies to estimate how long ago someone died.
Their powerful compound eyes have thousands of tiny lenses for wide vision.
They taste their food with special receptors located on their feet!
Special abilities
Ability
Smell Superpower
Bluebottle Flies can detect decaying meat from miles away because of highly sensitive antennae that help them find food and lay eggs quickly.
Ability
Speedy Reproduction
Bluebottle Flies can lay hundreds of eggs on rotting food within minutes, allowing their larvae to quickly grow and thrive.
Ability
Maggot Medic
Bluebottle Fly larvae (maggots) can clean wounds by eating only dead tissue, which helps doctors treat certain infections.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 12-20 mm
- Size
- 6-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-25 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult flies sip on sweet liquids and rotting matter; larvae eat decaying flesh.
Age differences: Larvae eat decaying meat, while adults feed on various liquids.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Rotting fruit
- Sap
- Carrion liquids
- Dung
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Spiders often trap bluebottles in their sticky webs.
eaten by
Great Tit
Parus major
Birds like tits will snatch flies as a quick meal.
parasitizes
Jewel Wasp
Nasonia vitripennis
This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside bluebottle fly pupae.
eaten by
Common Frog
Rana temporaria
Frogs snap up bluebottles as they fly by.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
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.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Blow Fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bluebottle Fly's wingspan?
12-20 mm
How big is Bluebottle Fly?
6-12 mm
How long does Bluebottle Fly live?
15-25 days
How fast can Bluebottle Fly fly?
15 km/h
What does Bluebottle Fly eat?
Adult flies sip on sweet liquids and rotting matter; larvae eat decaying flesh.
Where is Bluebottle Fly usually found?
Gardens, farms, and urban areas
How does Bluebottle Fly hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does Bluebottle Fly have?
6
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