Common Bluebottle Fly

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed in urban and rural environments, often found near decaying organic matter, trash, and homes.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on nectar and liquid organic fluids. Larvae (maggots) are scavengers that feed on carrion, rotting meat, and decaying organic waste.

Behavior Patterns

Active throughout the year except in very cold winters. They are often the first insects to arrive at a carcass to lay eggs. They exhibit a loud buzzing flight and are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can transmit pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli if they land on human food after being on waste. Benefits: Highly important decomposers in the environment and crucial in forensic entomology for determining time of death.

Identified on: 1/15/2026