Blow Flies
Calliphoridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Oestroidea
- Family: Calliphoridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calliphoridae: /kælɪˈfɔrɪˌdeɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Calliphoridae, or blow flies, are a diverse family of insects known for their scavenging habits and importance in forensic science, agriculture, and medicine, particularly in relation to myiasis and maggot therapy.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are commonly shiny with metallic colouring, often with blue, green, or black thoraces and abdomens. Antennae are three-segmented and aristate with plumose aristae.
Identification Tips
Look for bristles on the meron, two notopleural bristles, and a hindmost posthumeral bristle located lateral to the presutural bristle.
Habitat
Commonly found in a wide variety of habitats, including heavily urbanized areas, and require loose, damp soil and litter for larval development.
Distribution
About 1,900 species known, with significant diversity in the Neotropics, Africa, and Southern Europe.
Diet
Adults are occasional flower visitors and may act as pollinators; larvae are scavengers feeding on carrion and dung.
Life Cycle
Eggs hatch in about 8 hours to a day, with larvae undergoing three instars separated by molting. Development from egg to pupa takes 150-266 hours at room temperature.
Reproduction
Most females are iteroparous, laying about 150-200 eggs per batch, totaling around 2,000 eggs in their lifetime; sex ratio of eggs is usually 50:50.
Predators
Predators include spiders, beetles, frogs, and birds (including chickens).
Ecosystem Role
Key scavengers that break down carrion and dung, aiding in nutrient cycling.
Economic Impact
Significant agricultural losses due to myiasis in livestock; can cost the Australian sheep industry approximately AU$170 million annually.
Cultural Significance
The term 'blowfly' is derived from historical associations with decaying meat, first noted in William Shakespeare's works.
Health Concerns
Can cause myiasis in humans and livestock; known vectors of diseases such as dysentery and Salmonellosis.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adult flies
- Using bait traps
- Larval collection from carrion
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Freezing specimens
- Pinning
- Setting in foam or gel
Evolution
Calliphoridae is considered polyphyletic, with disputed taxonomic relationships within its genera.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some believe species from the genus Lucilia can sense impending death and are attracted to it immediately before occurence.
Tags
- Insects
- Diptera
- Forensic Entomology
- Pollinators
- Scavengers