Marsh Greenbottle
Lucilia silvarum
This record describes Lucilia silvarum (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length 4.5-8.5mm. Tergites 1+2 are blackish from all angles. Tergite 4 with very long marginals, tergite 3 with median marginals nearly as long (in male) or half as long (in female) as the length of tergite 4. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Pools, ditches and marshy areas supporting the amphibians their larvae parasitise. Larvae parasitise amphibians, but it will also use amphibian and mammalian carrion. The Spearwort Fields record was the first for VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Lucilia silvarum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucilia_silvarum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Melanomyinae
- Genus
- Lucilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pools, ditches and marshy areas supporting the amphibians their larvae parasitise.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae parasitise amphibians, but it will also use amphibian and mammalian carrion.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread across the UK.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lucilia silvarum. 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 Marsh Greenbottle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsh Greenbottle
What is Marsh Greenbottle?
Marsh Greenbottle (Lucilia silvarum) is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Marsh Greenbottle?
4.5-8.5mm. Tergites 1+2 are blackish from all angles. Tergite 4 with very long marginals, tergite 3 with median marginals nearly as long (in male) or half as long (in female) as the length of tergite 4.
Where is Marsh Greenbottle found?
Habitat: Pools, ditches and marshy areas supporting the amphibians their larvae parasitise.
When is Marsh Greenbottle active?
Marsh Greenbottle: seasonal activity - April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Marsh Greenbottle?
Larvae parasitise amphibians, but it will also use amphibian and mammalian carrion.