# Common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) > A small metallic-green blow fly common around people, attracted to decaying matter and known for its larvae (maggots) that feed on dead tissue. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/common-green-bottle-fly/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Potential contaminant.** Adults do not bite or sting but can transfer bacteria and other pathogens from waste and carrion to food and surfaces. Larvae can cause myiasis if eggs are deposited on open wounds or soiled skin; this requires medical attention. For contamination, wash affected skin with soap and water and seek medical advice if infection is suspected. **Pets:** Can cause myiasis (flystrike) in pets, especially rabbits, and in dogs or cats with soiled coats or wounds, as well as in sheep. Check vulnerable pets daily in warm weather; prompt wound care and veterinary attention are important. Hygiene and fly control reduce risk. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Lucilia sericata - Also called: Green bottle fly, Sheep blowfly - Order: Diptera (Flies) - Family: Calliphoridae (Blow flies) - Size: 6-10 mm long - Colours: Metallic green, Green-gold, Black, Cream (larva) - Habitat: Human-altered environments, gardens, farms, meadows, rubbish dumps, and areas with carrion or soiled livestock bedding - Range: Widespread in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and other temperate regions (cosmopolitan where conditions allow) - Active: Spring to autumn in temperate zones; adults are diurnal (active in daylight) - Lifespan: Adults live about 2-4 weeks under favorable conditions - Effect on plants: Harmless - Pest: yes ## Overview Lucilia sericata is a widespread, synanthropic blow fly found across temperate regions worldwide. Adults frequent flowers, carrion, animal droppings and human refuse; females lay batches of eggs on decomposing organic material or on wounds and soiled wool. The species is ecologically important for recycling nutrients, useful in forensic insect studies to estimate time of death, and its larvae are used medically for maggot debridement therapy. While generally not aggressive, L. sericata can be a nuisance around homes and is an agricultural concern because larvae can cause myiasis (flystrike) in sheep and occasionally infest open wounds on other animals and humans. Populations thrive where sanitation is poor and where livestock or food waste provides breeding sites. ## How to identify it Adults are small, robust flies with a bright metallic green to green-gold thorax and abdomen; the body surface is shiny and reflective. Eyes are large and reddish-brown; antennae short with feathery arista. Wings are clear with typical fly venation. Larvae (maggots) are creamy white, tapered, legless and have a smooth, elongated shape with posterior spiracles used for breathing. - Bright metallic green to green-gold body with a shiny, reflective surface - Small size - about 6-10 mm long, slimmer than larger blue bottle flies - Reddish-brown compound eyes and clear wings with typical dipteran venation - Creamy white, legless maggots on carrion or necrotic tissue (no legs or distinct head capsule, unlike caterpillars) ## Lookalikes - **Blue bottle fly** (Calliphora vomitoria): Generally larger and with a metallic blue rather than green body; proportions and bristle patterns differ. - **Australian sheep blowfly** (Lucilia cuprina): Very similar in appearance; separation often requires close examination of adult setae and genitalia or genetic methods; both can cause sheep strike. - **Other green Lucilia species** (Lucilia spp.): Several Lucilia species look similar; exact identification may need microscopic characters or expert verification. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Females lay batches of white eggs (dozens) on decaying tissue, carrion, feces or in soiled wool and open wounds. - **Larva (maggot):** Larvae hatch within a day and feed on moist decaying tissue or necrotic material for several days, growing through three instars. - **Pupa:** Mature larvae leave the food source, burrow into soil or dry debris and pupate in a hardened puparium for several days to weeks depending on temperature. - **Adult:** Adults emerge from pupae, feed on nectar and liquids, mate and the cycle repeats; development time is temperature-dependent and can be very fast in warm conditions. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Decaying animal tissue, necrotic flesh, carrion and sometimes infected wounds - Adults eat: Nectar, plant sap, other sugary liquids, and fluids from carrion, feces and decaying matter - Predators of the young: Ants, beetles, parasitoid wasps and predatory flies - Predators of adults: Birds, spiders, predatory insects and bats ## Effect on plants and gardens Adults may visit flowers for nectar and can act as incidental pollinators, but they are not major pollinators; larvae feed on decaying animal matter, not living plants. ### How to get rid of it Remove attractants: secure garbage, compost properly, clean up pet waste and soiled bedding, and promptly treat animal wounds. Use screens on windows and food covers. Fly traps (sticky traps, baited traps) reduce numbers. For heavy infestations in livestock, consult a veterinarian for appropriate insecticide treatments and management practices. ## Where and when to find it Adults on flowers, window sills, garbage, animal carcasses, compost heaps and near livestock. Eggs and larvae on decaying meat, carrion, feces or soiled wool and wounds. - Best time: Spring through autumn in temperate regions; diurnal, best seen on warm sunny days. - Tips: Approach slowly and photograph with a macro lens for detail. Check carcasses, compost or flower patches to find adults; look under soiled wool or bedding for larvae in livestock settings (use protective gloves). ## Fun facts - Larvae of L. sericata are used in maggot debridement therapy to safely remove dead tissue and promote healing in chronic wounds. - This species is commonly used in forensic entomology to estimate time of death because its life stages on carrion are temperature-dependent and well-studied. - The bright green color is structural and highly reflective, making the flies conspicuous in sunlight. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do common green bottle flies bite? No, adults do not bite people. They land on skin and food to feed but do not have biting mouthparts like mosquitoes. ### Are green bottle flies dangerous? They are not venomous, but they can spread bacteria and contaminate food. Larvae can cause myiasis in neglected wounds or soiled animals, which needs medical or veterinary care. ### Why do I have green bottle flies in my house? They are attracted to exposed food, garbage, pet waste, dead animals or soiled compost. Eggs may be laid in soiled organic material near or inside buildings. ### How do I get rid of green bottle flies? Eliminate breeding sites by cleaning garbage, covering food, removing dead animals, and keeping pet areas clean. Use screens, traps and localized insecticide treatments if needed. For livestock, follow veterinary advice for wound care and prevention. ### Can green bottle fly larvae help wounds? Yes. Sterile larvae of L. sericata are used medically under controlled conditions to remove dead tissue and reduce bacterial load; do not attempt to use wild maggots on wounds. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/128824), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_green_bottle_fly). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.