The Calliphoridae, commonly known as blow flies, are a family of insects in the order Diptera with almost 1,900 known species. Their maggot larvae, often used as fishing bait, are known as gentles. The family is known to be polyphyletic, with much still disputed about the proper treatment of its constituent taxa, some of which are occasionally accorded family status of their own.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAdults commonly shiny with metallic colouring, often with blue, green, or black thoraces and abdomens 1 Scientific Name Connections
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Denmark, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Norway, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Sweden, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: United States, found in there.
Sources
1. Calliphoridae, Wikipedia
Lead section, first sentence
The Calliphoridae (commonly known as blowflies, blow flies, blow-flies, carrion flies, bluebottles, or greenbottles) are a family of insects in the order Diptera, with almost 1,900 known species.
Description, Characteristics, first sentence
Calliphoridae adults are commonly shiny with metallic colouring, often with blue, green, or black thoraces and abdomens.
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 308868
Adult blowflies are occasional pollinators, being attracted to flowers with strong odors resembling rotting meat, such as the American pawpaw or dead horse arum.
View the Source2. GBIF Species API
3. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ28404, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Blow Fly
- Wikidata Q28404, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Diptera, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.