Calliphora vomitoria
This record describes Calliphora vomitoria (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This large 'bluebottle' fly has a characteristic shiny blue abdomen and a dark thorax. The orange hairs on the gena and post gena, looking like a ginger beard, help to distinguish this species. Although common and widespread, this species is not usually associated with people in the same way as the closely related Calliphora vicina . It is very similar to Calliphora vicina but C . vomitoria has an orange 'beard'. A photo showing the orange 'beard' is usually sufficient. Mainly April to October but it can be seen on any sunny day during the winter. Detritus feeder: larvae found in decaying organic material and especially carrion. Common and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Calliphora vomitoria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_bottle_fly.
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 October but it can be seen on any sunny day during the winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Detritus feeder: larvae found in decaying organic material and especially carrion.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Calliphora vomitoria. 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 vomitoria (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calliphora vomitoria
What is Calliphora vomitoria?
Calliphora vomitoria is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Calliphora vomitoria found?
Habitat: Anywhere in search of carrion.
When is Calliphora vomitoria active?
Calliphora vomitoria: seasonal activity - Mainly April to October but it can be seen on any sunny day during the winter..
What is the life cycle of a Calliphora vomitoria?
Detritus feeder: larvae found in decaying organic material and especially carrion.