Order: Diptera

Family: Calliphoridae

The Blowfly's common name has references dating back to the 16th century. About 80 different species including the Black blowfly, Bluebottle fly, Bronzebottle fly, Greenbottle fly and Shiny Bluebottle fly occur throughout the United States and Canada

Description: Adult Blowflies are approximately 1/8-5/8 of an inch long. Besides their persistent buzzing, they are distinguishable because of their metallic appearance that can vary from green to blue to black.

Biology: Depending on the species, female Blowflies will lay between 25-180 eggs on suitable food material, with a lifetime total up to 2,300 eggs. Most eggs hatch within 24 hours.

Habits: The female lays her eggs on human excrement, sewage, animal carcasses or decaying garbage. Because of the possibility of disease organisms found within these sources, Blowflies can transfer infected fluids causing many illnesses in humans.