Calliphora vomitoria

Description

This large 'bluebottle' fly has a characteristic shiny blue abdomen and a dark thorax. The orange hairs on the gena and post gena, looking like a ginger beard, help to distinguish this species. Although common and widespread, this species is not usually associated with people in the same way as the closely related Calliphora vicina.

Similar Species

It is very similar to Calliphora vicina but C. vomitoria has an orange 'beard'.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

A photo showing the orange 'beard' is usually sufficient.

Habitat

Anywhere in search of carrion.

When to see it

Mainly April to October but it can be seen on any sunny day during the winter.

Life History

Detritus feeder: larvae found in decaying organic material and especially carrion.

UK Status

Common and widespread in England and Wales.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Calliphoridae
Records on NatureSpot:
9
First record:
29/03/2009 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
18/10/2023 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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