(Calliphora vicina)
Biology:
The blowfly is 9-13 mm in size. The thorax and abdomen are dark blue and shiny. They develop on protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and cheese, but also on animal carcasses. While only a quiet buzzing can be heard when houseflies are in flight, blowflies, flesh flies and gold flies can be recognized by their loud buzzing (“buzzing”).
Damage:
The flies lick protein-rich foods, which is where their name comes from: in Old High German, “schmeißen” means to smear, coat, defile.
As flies are found on both carrion and food and also visit wounds, they are not only unappetizing but also transmit pathogens. They are therefore to be regarded as health and hygiene pests. The fly maggots that develop in meat, cheese or fish quickly make the food inedible.
