Lucilia mexicana

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Oestroidea
Family: Calliphoridae
Genus: Lucilia
Species: mexicana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lucilia mexicana: /luːˈsɪliə mɛksɪˈkɑːnə/

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Summary

Lucilia mexicana, a species of blow fly within the family Calliphoridae, is identified by its metallic coloration and unique morphological features. It is primarily distributed from the southwestern United States to Brazil, inhabiting varied environments where it plays a crucial role in decomposition and forensic studies.

Physical Characteristics

Lucilia mexicana typically measures 6–9 mm in length, featuring a metallic blue-green thorax with purple tints. The legs are usually black, and its abdomen shares a similar color pattern to the thorax with four segments. The head has black cheeks with black hairs and an orange metacephalon. Adults are differentiated by two or more complete rows of black post-ocular setae on the head.

Identification Tips

Two or more complete rows of black post-ocular setae on the head distinguishes L. mexicana from similar species like L. coeruleiviridis.

Habitat

Found in wooded areas as well as urban locales, attracted to animal and human feces, garbage, and fresh carrion.

Distribution

From southwestern North America (California to Oklahoma and Texas) extending to Brazil.

Diet

L. mexicana larvae feed on decaying organic matter, especially carrion.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in carrion, with the incubation period for eggs to reach the first larval instar ranging from 7 to 14 hours, depending on temperature.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in carrion and hatch within hours under optimal conditions.

Ecosystem Role

As a blow fly, L. mexicana plays a role in the decomposition process by feeding on carrion and is of forensic importance for determining postmortem intervals.

Collecting Methods

Netting adults around carrion
Collecting larvae from decaying organic materials

Preservation Methods

Alcohol preservation for DNA analysis
Desiccation for morphological studies

Evolution

First described by Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart in 1843, L. mexicana's taxonomic standing has varied with historical classifications expanding its synonymy with L. coeruleiviridis and others.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other green bottle fly species due to morphological similarities. Forensic importance is sometimes misattributed to L. coeruleiviridis instead of L. mexicana.