Family: Calliphoridae, Blow Flies view all from this family

Description 3/8-1/2" (10-14 mm). Stout, larger than House Fly. Brilliant metallic blue-green or golden with black markings. Thorax has 3 cross-grooves and black bristlelike hair. Antennae and legs black. Wings clear with light brown veins.

Food Decomposing animal matter.

Life Cycle Mass of up to 180 eggs is deposited on carrion or garbage. Larvae attain full size in 2-10 days, drop to the soil, and burrow shallowly before pupating. There are 4-8 generations a year, the last overwintering as larvae in the soil.

Habitat In dead fish and other dead animals; in fresh, unprotected wounds (or wool of sheep); and in manure and garbage containing animal matter.

Range Southern California to Mexico.

Discussion The Green Bottle Fly is not as attracted to the smell of fresh meat as is the Blue Bottle Fly, and is less likely to enter homes. It is often found near slaughterhouses and garbage cans. The similar Caesar Green Bottle Fly (Lucilia illustris, formerly known as L. caesar), 1/4" (6 mm), is common in the West.