Common Green Bottle Fly – 7/5/21

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/5/21

Observation Time: 2:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Maskwonicut St. (on the bridge over Beaver Brook)

Common Name: Common Green Bottle Fly

Scientific Name: Lucilia sericata

Comments: The common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) is a blowfly found in most areas of the world and is the most well-known of the numerous green bottle fly species. Its body is slightly larger than a house fly, and has brilliant, metallic, blue-green or golden coloration with black markings. It has short, sparse, black bristles (setae) and three cross-grooves on the thorax. The wings are clear with light brown veins, and the legs and antennae are black.

The larvae of the fly may be used for maggot therapy, are commonly used in forensic entomology, and can be the cause of myiasis in livestock and pets.

More Information: Wikipedia