Phormia

Phormia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phormia: //ˈfɔːr.mi.ə//

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

Images

Another phormia by Myself. Used under a Public domain license.
Sanitary entomology; the entomology of disease, hygiene and sanitation (1921) (14597992097) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.
Blowflies of medicinal use by Walnussbäumchen. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Side view of Phormia regina by Ken Perry. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Phormia regina is a species of blow fly known for its forensic significance, particularly in determining time of death. It has a metallic coloration and distinct physical characteristics, plays an important role in decomposition, and exhibits complex reproductive behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

P. regina adults are metallic blue or green in color, with black gena, mostly white calypters, and wings that exhibit a sharp bend. They have a distinctive orange setae surrounding the anterior thoracic spiracles.

Identification Tips

Look for the black gena, white calypters, and distinctive wing bend. They are about the same size as, or slightly larger than, a house fly.

Habitat

Found on human corpses, animal carcasses, and feces, preferring rural areas near water sources.

Distribution

Commonly found across the entirety of the United States and other regions in North America.

Diet

Adults feed on feces and carrion. Larvae feed on decaying tissue after hatching from eggs laid on carrion.

Life Cycle

Life cycle consists of egg, three larval instars, pupation, and adult emergence. Development is temperature-dependent.

Reproduction

Females oviposit eggs on carrion. Mating occurs on feces, with males aggregating to mate.

Ecosystem Role

Important decomposers; contribute to nutrient cycling by aiding in the breakdown of organic matter.

Health Concerns

Larvae can be involved in myiasis in humans and animals.

Collecting Methods

  • Net capture during flight
  • Bait traps with carrion or feces
  • Light traps at night

Preservation Methods

  • Freezing specimens
  • Ethanol immersion
  • Drying in a cool, dark place

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misunderstood as being solely pests, but they play crucial roles in forensic entomology and decomposer ecology.

Tags

  • Forensic Entomology
  • Blow Fly
  • Phormia regina
  • Decomposers
  • Carrion Feeder