Which family includes species commonly called blow flies and green bottle flies?

Which family includes species commonly called blow flies and green bottle flies?

• A. Muscidae
• B. Calliphoridae
• C. Dermestidae
• D. Piophilidae

Answer: (B)

Blow flies and green bottle flies belong to the family Calliphoridae. This group is known for often metallic coloration—greens, blues, or brass tones—and they are among the first to colonize carrion, a trait that makes them especially important in forensic entomology for estimating postmortem interval. The other options don’t fit this specific group: Muscidae houses flies that are typically duller in color; Dermestidae are beetles, not flies; Piophilidae are smaller flies like the cheese skipper with different ecological habits. So, Calliphoridae is the correct family for these flies.

Blow flies and green bottle flies belong to the family Calliphoridae. This group is known for often metallic coloration—greens, blues, or brass tones—and they are among the first to colonize carrion, a trait that makes them especially important in forensic entomology for estimating postmortem interval. The other options don’t fit this specific group: Muscidae houses flies that are typically duller in color; Dermestidae are beetles, not flies; Piophilidae are smaller flies like the cheese skipper with different ecological habits. So, Calliphoridae is the correct family for these flies.