What are blue bottle flies?
Blue bottle flies (Calliphora vomitoria) are a type of blow fly that can be found in many parts of the world, especially in higher elevations. They have a distinctive metallic blue abdomen and long orange hairs on the sides of their head. They are about twice the size of a housefly, and make a buzzing sound when they fly.
Blue bottle flies are scavengers that feed on dead and decaying organic matter, such as meat, faeces, or carrion. They help to recycle nutrients and speed up decomposition in the ecosystem. They also need nectar for energy and egg production, and they visit flowers that have strong odors, such as those that mimic rotting meat. By doing so, they act as pollinators for some plant species, especially in the carrot family, such as carrot, parsnip, dill, and celery. Blue bottle flies are sometimes used as managed pollinators for plant breeding programs.
What is the difference between a blue bottle flies and green bottle flies?
Blue bottle flies and green bottle flies are both members of the blowfly family (Calliphoridae), which are known for their metallic blue-green or golden coloration and their attraction to decaying organic matter. However, they belong to different genera: blue bottle flies are Calliphora, while green bottle flies are Lucilia. They also have some differences in size, behaviour, and ecology.
Blue bottle flies are larger than green bottle flies, with a body length of 10-14 mm and a wingspan of around 25 mm. They have a characteristic blue metallic hue and black markings on their body. They are very common and associated with human activity, often buzzing loudly around garbage, carcasses, or excrement. They can lay up to 500 eggs on decaying meat or fresh meat products, which can cause cross-contamination and food poisoning. They can also become a problem if animal carcasses remain hidden, such as dead birds in nests or rodents killed by poison. The larvae of blue bottle flies can liquefy their substrate by secreting proteolytic enzymes, and they burrow deep into their food supply. They pupate away from their original food source, and the adult fly emerges after two weeks.
Green bottle flies are smaller and more variable in size than blue bottle flies, with a body length of 10 mm and a wingspan of 18 mm. They have a green metallic hue and no black markings on their body. They are considered an outdoor species and rely on warmer spring and summer temperatures. They are less of a nuisance than blue bottle flies, and they are even used in medicine to remove necrotic tissue from infected wounds, speeding up the healing process. This is because the larvae of green bottle flies only feed on dead tissue and do not harm living tissue. However, this ability can also be problematic in sheep, where the flies can lay eggs in soiled fleeces and cause myiasis, which is the invasion of living tissue by maggots. This can lead to significant mortality if left untreated. The larvae and pupae of green bottle flies are indistinguishable from those of blue bottle flies.
In summary, blue bottle flies and green bottle flies are both blowflies that have metallic coloration and feed on decaying organic matter, but they differ in their size, colour, behaviour, and ecology.
Why You Should Breed Blue Bottle Flies for Your Pets
If you have pets that feed on insects, such as reptiles, amphibians, or birds, you might be wondering what kind of insects are best for them. You might have heard of crickets, mealworms, or waxworms, but have you ever considered blue bottle flies? In this blog post, we will explain why blue bottle flies are a great choice for your pets, and how you can breed them at home.
What is the life cycle of blue bottle flies?
The life cycle of blue bottle flies consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female lays about 130-180 eggs at a time on a suitable substrate, such as rotting meat or compost. Depending on the temperature, the eggs hatch into larvae (also known as maggots) within 10 hours to 3 days.
The larvae are pale-white and measure about 10-14 mm in length. They feed voraciously on the substrate, leaving live organisms untouched. They go through three larval instars (moults) before they stop growing and search for a dry place to pupate. The larval stage lasts for 2-10 days.
The pupa is a brown cocoon that protects the developing fly. The pupation stage lasts for about 2 weeks, but can be longer in cold conditions. During this time, the pupa does not feed or move.
The adult emerges from the pupa by breaking the cocoon. The adult is a fully formed fly that can fly and mate. The adults feed on nectar or other liquids, and become sexually mature within 2 weeks. The adult stage lasts for about 6 weeks.
Why are blue bottle flies good for your pets?
Blue bottle flies are good for your pets for several reasons:
- They are protein-rich and nutritious. The larvae contain about 60% protein and 15% fat, while the adults contain about 40% protein and 20% fat. They also provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your pets.
- They are easy to breed and maintain. You only need a container, some substrate (such as meat or fish), and some water to breed blue bottle flies at home. You can control the number of flies by adjusting the amount of substrate and temperature. You can also refrigerate the pupae to slow down their development and store them for later use.
- They are stimulating and enriching for your pets. Blue bottle flies can fly and move around, which makes them more interesting and challenging for your pets to catch than stationary insects. They also stimulate your pets’ natural hunting instincts and behaviors.
How to breed blue bottle flies for your pets?
Breeding blue bottle flies for your pets is not difficult if you follow these steps:
- Prepare a container with a lid that has small holes for ventilation. You can use any plastic or metal container that is large enough to hold the substrate and the flies.
- Add some substrate to the container. You can use any kind of meat or fish that is fresh or slightly spoiled. You can also add some water or vinegar to keep the substrate moist and prevent mold growth.
- Place the container in a warm and dark place, such as a closet or a basement. The ideal temperature for breeding blue bottle flies is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F).
- Wait for the flies to lay eggs on the substrate. You can either catch some wild blue bottle flies and release them into the container, or buy some eggs or larvae from a pet store or online supplier.
- Check the container regularly for eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. You can harvest the larvae or pupae when they reach the desired size or stage. You can also collect some adults to start a new batch of flies.
- Feed the larvae or pupae to your pets as needed. You can either offer them live or frozen, depending on your pets’ preference. You can also dust them with calcium or vitamin powder to enhance their nutritional value.
Conclusion
Blue bottle flies are a great option for feeding your insectivorous pets. They are nutritious, easy to breed, and stimulating for your pets. By following the steps above, you can breed your own blue bottle flies at home and provide your pets with a healthy and varied diet.
