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Reference · Pests

Calliphoridae

Calliphoridae, commonly known as blow flies or bottle flies, are members of the order Diptera. While primarily associated with the decomposition of organic matter, some species can become significant pests in agricultural settings, particularly where harvested crops are stored, processed, or transported in unsanitary conditions.

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Bird blowfly Protocalliphora Blue blow fly Calliphora albifrontalis Blue blowfly Phormia regina Blue blowfly Protophormia terraenovae Blue blowfly Cynomya Blue bottle fly Calliphora vicina Blue bottle fly Calliphora laemica Blue bottle fly Calliphora nociva Blue bottle fly Calliphora Blue bottle fly Calliphora vomitoria Blue bottle fly Cynomya mortuorum Blue meat fly Calliphora augur Blue meat fly Calliphora quadrimaculata Bluebottle fly Phormia Brown blowfly Calliphora stygia Chrysomya Chrysomya Chrysomya mallochi Chrysomya mallochi Chrysomya putoria Chrysomya putoria Cluster fly Pollenia rudis Cluster fly Pollenia Common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata Common green bottle fly Lucilia Cordylobia anthropophaga Cordylobia anthropophaga Green blowfly Chrysomya chloropyga Green blowfly Lucilia cuprina Green bottle fly Lucilia caesar Hairy maggot blow fly Chrysomya rufifacies Melinda Melinda Melinda caerulea Melinda caerulea New World screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax Old World screwworm fly Chrysomya bezziana Onesia Onesia Onesia agilis Onesia agilis Oriental latrine fly Chrysomya megacephala Protocalliphora azurea Protocalliphora azurea Protophormia Protophormia Rhyncomyia Rhyncomyia Rhyncomyia speciosa Rhyncomyia speciosa Screwworm fly Cochliomyia Secondary screwworm Cochliomyia macellaria Stomorhina Stomorhina Stomorhina lunata Stomorhina lunata Toad blowfly Lucilia bufonivora

Calliphoridae

These flies can infest various vegetable and fruit crops, especially those that are overripe or have sustained mechanical damage during harvesting. The larvae penetrate the soft tissues of the produce, causing rapid decay, liquefaction of the flesh, and the total loss of market value for the affected crop.

The life cycle consists of the egg, three larval instars, pupa, and the adult stage. The female blow fly deposits eggs on suitable organic substrates, which include damaged vegetables. Under warm and humid conditions, the larval development is extremely rapid, allowing for large-scale infestation within a short timeframe.

The damage caused by Calliphoridae is characterized by the breakdown of plant tissue and the introduction of secondary pathogens, including various bacteria. This not only destroys the produce but also creates severe hygiene issues in storage facilities, leading to cross-contamination of healthy produce located in the same area.

Management strategies focus on sanitation and physical exclusion to prevent infestation.

  • Installation of fine-mesh screens on vents and windows in storage areas.
  • Strict adherence to hygiene protocols to prevent buildup of decaying organic matter.
  • Prompt removal and disposal of spoiled or damaged produce.
  • Regular cleaning and disinfection of storage crates and warehouse surfaces.