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Blow Fly larva
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)

Common Name: Blow Fly - larva
See also: adult | benefit

Scientific Name: Calliphoridae: several species

Status: beneficial insect, except when an annoyance around homes

Beneficial Stage: maggot

Biology: Adult blow flies are metallic blue-, green-, copper-, or black-colored and resemble house flies in appearance. The hair on the last antennal segment is feathery. Blow fly maggots are cream-colored and have a pointed head end. They are approximately 1/2 inch long.

Female flies lay eggs on or near suitable habitats. Maggots hatch from the eggs within two days and develop through three instars before pupating in the soil. Adult flies emerge ten to seventeen days after the formation of the pupal cell. They complete many generations per year.

Management: Removal of breeding sites, including animal carcasses, garbage, and decomposing material, is the best way to eliminate a pesky population.