Blow Fly

A blow fly is a type of fly commonly found around decaying organic matter, including dead animals. They are important in nature for helping decompose and recycle nutrients. Blow flies are often the first insects to arrive at a corpse, laying eggs that quickly hatch into larvae (maggots). These maggots feed on decomposing tissue, speeding up the breakdown process. They are also used by forensic experts to estimate the time of death. Blow flies are characterized by metallic-colored bodies—usually green, blue, or black—and a distinctive V-shaped suture on their thorax.