The Blue Bottle Fly is a large, metallic blue-purple blow fly with a loud buzzing flight commonly associated with meat, carrion, and garbage. Its larvae (maggots) are important decomposers and are used in forensic entomology to estimate time of death. Blow flies are among the first insects to colonize a carcass and play a key role in nutrient recycling.
Best time to see a Blue Bottle Fly
The best time to see a Blue Bottle Fly is February–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 800 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Blue Bottle Fly? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Blue Bottle Fly sightings near you
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