Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 142

The Lucilia sericata, commonly known as the common green bottle fly, can be identified by the presence of three bristles on its dorsal mesothorax. It is found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, favoring warm and moist climates. The fly lays its eggs in carrion and the larvae feed on decaying organic tissue. The adult fly feeds on carrion, feces, pollen, and nectar, making it an important pollinator and agent of decomposition. Ongoing research focuses on the medical applications of L. sericata secretions and larval therapy, as well as finding less toxic methods to combat its impact on agriculture.