Fauna
Insect

Common European Greenbottle Fly

Lucilia sericata

Also known as Common Green Bottle Fly, Sheep Blowfly, Greenbottle Fly

Common European greenbottle flies are vibrant metallic insects renowned for their critical role in decomposition and forensic science. Adult flies feed on flower nectar and honeydew while females seek out decaying organic material to lay their eggs. Their precise, temperature-dependent larval development rates help forensic investigators establish timelines, while sterile maggots are utilized in medical therapy to clean non-healing human wounds.

MetallicPollinatorDecomposer
Common European Greenbottle Fly reference1 / 7
(c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFloral Nectar, Plant Sap, Decaying Organic Matter
Predators
  • Spiders
  • Insectivorous Birds
  • Predatory Wasps
ThreatsWidespread pesticide application and pest control operations.
HabitatsUrban areas, pastures, farmlands, woodlands, and gardens.
Life spanAdults live 2–6 weeks; total life cycle takes 2–4 weeks.
Classification
  1. OrderDiptera
  2. FamilyCalliphoridae
  3. GenusLucilia
  4. SpeciesLucilia sericata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can transfer pathogens from decay to food surfaces; keep outdoor dining areas covered.
Why it is dangerous
Acts as a mechanical vector for bacteria picked up while visiting garbage, feces, and decaying carcasses.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its shiny, iridescent emerald-green or brassy thorax, red compound eyes, and clear wings.
What to do
Keep food covered outdoors and wash hands thoroughly if contacting areas where flies aggregate.
Responsible observation
  • Sanitation: Keep garbage containers tightly covered and pick up pet waste promptly to minimize breeding sites.
  • Observation: Watch sunny leaves and flowering garden plants on warm days where adult flies gather to feed on nectar.
Related species
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