Neomyia cornicina

(Fabricius, 1775)

Small False Greenbottle

Neomyia cornicina is a common muscid fly native to the Palaearctic region, with introduced in the Nearctic. and larvae feed on cattle , contributing to dung decomposition. The is frequently used as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies examining the effects of veterinary pharmaceuticals on non-target dung fauna.

Neomyia cornicina by (c) Line Sabroe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Line Sabroe. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neomyia cornicina by (c) Kostas Zontanos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kostas Zontanos. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neomyia.cornicina.male by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neomyia cornicina: /niːˈɒmɪə kɔːˈnɪsɪnə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar Muscidae by its greenish metallic coloration; the 'Small False Greenbottle' suggests similarity to greenbottle flies (Calliphoridae) but smaller size and placement in Muscidae. Specific diagnostic features require examination of morphological characters not detailed in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Cattle in pasture and agricultural settings; also recorded in Mediterranean oak forest where spatial and temporal distribution patterns adapt to climatic conditions.

Distribution

Native to the Palaearctic region; introduced to the Nearctic. Documented presence in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Madeira (Portugal), and the Iberian Peninsula.

Diet

; larvae and feed on moist cattle .

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs in cattle ; emerge and continue to feed on dung.

Behavior

Exhibits thermophilous , adapting spatial and temporal distribution to climatic conditions throughout activity. show reduced locomotory ability (slower escape time, delayed righting response) and decreased activity (more time standing, less and ) when feeding on containing ivermectin residues. Mating attempts by males are more frequent and prolonged when paired with control females versus ivermectin-exposed females.

Ecological Role

Contributes to decomposition as part of the insect dung fauna; serves as a non-target for assessing environmental impacts of veterinary pharmaceuticals on dung-inhabiting .

Human Relevance

Used extensively as a model organism in ecotoxicological research on effects of synthetic (deltamethrin, α-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, flumethrin) and macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, eprinomectin) on non-target fauna. Exposure to these compounds in cattle dung causes increased larval mortality, reduced survival, inhibited ovarian development, decreased feeding activity, and reduced adult body size.