Bird Blowfly
Protocalliphora azurea
This record describes Protocalliphora azurea (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7-12mm. A dark metallic blue blowfly. It is distinguished from Protophormia terraenovae by the presence of long presutural acrostichals and dusting on the thorax. Good quality dorsal and lateral photographs showing the distinguishing features are required. Common across England and Wales, becoming scarcer in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Calliphoridae
- Genus
- Protocalliphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
March to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Reared from birds nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common across England and Wales, becoming scarcer in Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Protocalliphora azurea. 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 Bird Blowfly (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Blowfly
What is Bird Blowfly?
Bird Blowfly (Protocalliphora azurea) is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bird Blowfly?
7-12mm. A dark metallic blue blowfly. It is distinguished from
Where is Bird Blowfly found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Bird Blowfly active?
Bird Blowfly: seasonal activity - March to October..
What is the life cycle of a Bird Blowfly?
Reared from birds nests.