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Lucilia Sericata

A green metallic 'greenbottle' fly is the commonest of the very similar Lucilia species. It can be identified by the combination of 3 pairs of acrostichal bristles after the thoracic suture line, a pale basicosta and a single anterodorsal bristle on the mid tibia. It also has a wide frons and much dusting on the thorax.

Pollenia Rudis

The typical cluster fly Pollenia rudis is about 7 mm long, has short golden-coloured hairs on the thorax and irregular light and dark grey areas on the abdomen. Cluster flies are typically slow moving and pass the winter as adults so are very common in early spring.

There are over 20 Pollenia species recorded in Britain, most of which can't be identified without microscopic examination to key out complex features. Pollenia rudis is generally the most common species.

Calliphora vicina

In Britain this is the most common bluebottle and it is often associated with humans. It is 10-14 mm. The head and thorax are dull grey and the abdomen is bright metallic blue with black markings. Its body and legs are covered with black bristle-like hair. The eyes are red and the wings are clear. It has orange 'cheeks' and pale hairs at the back of the head.

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