Blackbottle
Protophormia terraenovae
This record describes Protophormia terraenovae (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a fairly large, dark blue blowfly. It will often fold its wings tightly over the abdomen at rest which can lead to confusion with the similar Protocalliphora azurea . However P. terraenovae can be separated by its much darker colour and the absence of any dusting on the thorax. Seems to prefer exposed habitats such as dunes and moors. Throughout the year but peaking May-August. The larvae normally develop in carrion but may also feed within the tissues of living mammals. Frequent in Wales and Scotland but scarce in the Midlands and South. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Protophormia terraenovae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protophormia_terraenovae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomyinae
- Genus
- Protophormia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Seems to prefer exposed habitats such as dunes and moors.
Seasonal Activity
Throughout the year but peaking May-August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae normally develop in carrion but may also feed within the tissues of living mammals.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Frequent in Wales and Scotland but scarce in the Midlands and South.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Protophormia terraenovae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blackbottle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackbottle
What is Blackbottle?
Blackbottle (Protophormia terraenovae) is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Blackbottle found?
Habitat: Seems to prefer exposed habitats such as dunes and moors.
When is Blackbottle active?
Blackbottle: seasonal activity - Throughout the year but peaking May-August..
What is the life cycle of a Blackbottle?
The larvae normally develop in carrion but may also feed within the tissues of living mammals.