Bottle Green fly (Lucilia sericata) is a
blowfly found in most areas of the world and is the most well-known of the
numerous green bottle fly species. Its body is 10–14 mm
(0.39–0.55 in) in length – slightly larger than a house fly
and has brilliant, metallic, blue-green or golden coloration
with black markings. It has short, sparse, black bristles (setae) and three
cross-grooves on the thorax. The wings are clear with light brown veins, and
the legs and antennae are black. Lucilia sericata is common all over the
temperate and tropical regions of the planet, including Europe, Africa, and
Australia. It prefers warm and moist climates, so is especially common in
coastal regions, The female lays her eggs in carrion of all kinds, sometimes in
the skin or hair of live animals, causing myiasis. The larvae feed on decaying
organic tissue.
The defining characteristic of L. sericata and the
one most used when identifying the adult fly is the presence of three bristles
on the dorsal mesothorax, located on the middle of the back of the fly
While unsightly and a nuisance, the green bottle fly is also a potential
threat to human health since these pests transmit diseases like dysentery
and salmonellosis through food contamination. Symptoms can range from mild
cramps to severe diarrhea, vomiting, headache, weakness and fever.
is a crucial player in the process of pollination. Their efficiency,
adaptability, and collaboration with certain plant species make them contributors
to the health and sustainability of ecosystems.
© Rajat Ghosh, stock footage / pictures available for
licensing
