Calliphora vicina
This record describes Calliphora vicina (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In Britain this is the most common bluebottle and it is often associated with humans. It is 10-14 mm. The head and thorax are dull grey and the abdomen is bright metallic blue with black markings. Its body and legs are covered with black bristle-like hair. The eyes are red and the wings are clear. It has orange 'cheeks' and pale hairs at the back of the head. Calliphora vomitoria has a dark basicosta, the anterior spiracle is brown and it has orange hairs on the lower face (like a beard). Mainly April to November, but can be found at any time of year. The female lays up to 300 eggs on fresh carrion or in open wounds. This species is important in forensic pathology because it lays its eggs on corpses at a consistent time after death, thus helping to determine the time of death.
Wikipedia reference for Calliphora vicina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calliphora_vicina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Calliphorinae
- Genus
- Calliphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere in search of carrion.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly April to November, but can be found at any time of year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female lays up to 300 eggs on fresh carrion or in open wounds. This species is important in forensic pathology because it lays its eggs on corpses at a consistent time after death, thus helping to determine the time of death.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Calliphora vicina. 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 Calliphora vicina (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calliphora vicina
What is Calliphora vicina?
Calliphora vicina is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Calliphora vicina found?
Habitat: Anywhere in search of carrion.
When is Calliphora vicina active?
Calliphora vicina: seasonal activity - Mainly April to November, but can be found at any time of year..
What is the life cycle of a Calliphora vicina?
The female lays up to 300 eggs on fresh carrion or in open wounds. This species is important in forensic pathology because it lays its eggs on corpses at a consistent time after death, thus helping to determine the time of death.