Snail Parasite Blowfly

Description:

"Goodie-goodie...show me where the snails are!" This blowfly rubs its forelegs together in anticipation. Some blowflies attack invertebrates, such as insects and snails, which gives this Snail Parasite Blowfly its common name. They often rest on rocks and logs. Females give birth to large, well-developed larvae that are thought to be parasites of land snails. Length 10-15 mm. A bright yellow head contrasts with the metallic green or bronze thorax and abdomen with silvery-white spots featured as well. The clear wings have dark bases. This specimen had the bronze/pink and metallic green abdomen. Note the black hair covering the body. Image two shows the fly twisting its head during cleaning, and rubbing its forelegs together.

Habitat:

Common in open and closed forest of eastern NSW and Queensland. This one in dry woodland forest of north east NSW.