Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly vs Bluebottle Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly | Bluebottle Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Wohlfahrtia vigil | Calliphora vicina |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | North America, especially northern United States and Canada | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly
A large flesh fly found in North America that causes obligate dermal myiasis in small animals including rabbits, mink, and fox kits on fur farms. Females deposit active larvae on the unbroken skin of young animals, and larvae burrow into subcutaneous tissue. Human cases are rare but documented in infants.
Did You Know?
It preferentially attacks the young of furbearing animals, causing significant losses on mink and fox fur farms in North America.
Bluebottle Fly
A common metallic blue blowfly found in urban areas worldwide. Breeds in dead pigeons, rodents and meat. An important species in forensic entomology for estimating time of death.
Did You Know?
One of the most important forensic indicator species, helping police estimate time of death from larval development stage.