Family overview
Metallic blue, green, or copper sheen. Robust body. Sponging mouthparts. Larvae are maggots that feed on carrion.
Used in forensic entomology to estimate time of death. Sterile maggots are used medically to debride wounds.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
1,500
Notable members
Common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata), screwworm fly