Black Blow Fly

Phormia regina

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phormia regina: /ˈfɔːr.mi.ə rɪˈdʒaɪ.nə/

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, the black blow fly, is a metallic fly significant to forensic entomology, known for its role in decomposing carrion. Found widely in the U.S. and identified by its distinctive coloration and physical traits, it feeds on feces during adulthood and plays a role in medicolegal investigations due to its rapid colonization of corpses.

Physical Characteristics

Adult metallic dark blue or olive-green with an orange front spiracle; wings with a sharp bend; well-developed calypters; recognizable by black gena, mostly white calypters, and distinctive anterior thoracic spiracles surrounded by bright orange setae.

Identification Tips

Key characteristics include black gena, mostly white calypters, and the metallic coloration of blue or green.

Habitat

Found on human corpses, animal carcasses, and feces; prefers rural areas near water sources, particularly on swine, human, and mink feces in the northern U.S.

Distribution

Commonly found across the entirety of the United States as well as regions in North America and Eurasia.

Diet

Adults require water, carbohydrates, and protein for maintenance; larvae feed on decaying tissue.

Life Cycle

Life cycle consists of oviposition of eggs on carrion, larvae developing through three instar stages before pupation, then emerging as adults.

Reproduction

Females oviposit eggs on carrion post-mating; sexual maturity in females requires a high-protein diet for optimal development.

Ecosystem Role

Important in forensic entomology for estimating post mortem intervals; larvae can cause myiasis in humans and animals.

Health Concerns

Larvae involved in myiasis, particularly in southern regions of the U.S. used in maggot therapy.

Collecting Methods

  • Traps near carcasses or feces
  • Netting in rural areas during spring and fall

Preservation Methods

  • Refrigeration of specimens
  • Preservation in ethanol or formalin

Evolution

Insufficient specific data provided.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other blow flies; not all blow flies are harmful to humans.

Tags

  • Forensic Entomology
  • Black Blow Fly
  • Phormia regina
  • Myiasis
  • Carrion Feeders