Australian Sheep Blowfly

Description:

Looking like little jewels these Blowflies (previous scientific name - Phaenicia cuprina), are commonly known as Bottle Flies, Bronze Bottle Flies or Blue Bottle Flies. Order Diptera. Brightly coloured metallic fly slightly larger than a house fly. Two pairs of wings, reddish coloured eyes, metallic green/blue to bronze reflective body, thorax and head with black stripes highlighting segments on much of the fly. These flies are an essential element in reducing organic matter, breaking it down as they feed. They are also responsible for causing what is known as fly strike or sheep strike as the female lays eggs on wounds or soft skin on sheep, the larvae burrow into the flesh and cause large lesions that can be fatal to the sheep.

Habitat:

Found in Australia and in other regions of the world, within specific temperature ranges of soil and air. Usually found on rotting fruit, carrion or animal dung. These ones found on fresh cow manure in riverbank paddocks.

Notes:

My apologies if you're having breakfast or dinner when this appears on your screen - the flies can have this meal, not a meal for everyone!