Green Bottle Fly

Lucilia sericata

The Green Bottle Fly is a shiny green insect that helps decompose dead animals. They are often found near compost heaps!

Habitat: Gardens, farms, and urban areas

Appearance

The Green Bottle Fly is a medium-sized fly, famous for its brilliant, iridescent metallic green or blue-green body. It has large, reddish-brown compound eyes and clear wings, distinguishing it from other duller flies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCalliphoridaeGenusLucilia

Green Bottle Fly

Interesting facts

A single female fly can lay hundreds of eggs in one go!

Scientists use these flies to help solve crimes by estimating time of death!

Their maggots are sometimes used by doctors to clean serious wounds!

They taste with their feet to decide if something is good to eat!

Special abilities

Green Bottle Fly can sniff out decaying meat from miles away because of super-sensitive antennae that help them find food and lay eggs.

Green Bottle Fly can fly quickly and erratically because of powerful wing muscles that help them dodge predators and move between food sources.

Green Bottle Fly larvae can clean wounds by eating dead tissue because of special digestive enzymes that help them remove infection.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 15-25 mm
Size: 8-10 mm
Lifespan: 15-30 days
Flight Speed: 10-15 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adults feast on sweet nectar, while their larvae are nature's tiny clean-up crew, munching on decaying things.

Age differences: Larvae (maggots) feed exclusively on decaying organic matter; adults primarily feed on nectar and sugary liquids.

Primary Foods

nectar
decaying animal flesh
rotting fruit
manure
sap

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

domestic sheep

Ovis aries

Causes 'blowfly strike' by laying eggs in wounds or damp wool.

eaten by

house sparrow

Passer domesticus

Common bird predators will snatch them from the air as a meal.

eats

house mouse

Mus musculus

Their larvae (maggots) consume the decaying flesh of dead mice.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Decomposer

Meet the cleanup crew of nature! These vital organisms help break down dead things, returning nutrients to the soil and keeping our ecosystems healthy.