Oriental Latrine fly
Scientific Name: Chrysomya megacephala
Size: 11mm
What does it look like?
The Oriental Latrine Fly has a metallic blue-green body and large red eyes that meet in the male but are separated in the female, and sponge-like mouthparts. A single pair of large, transparent wings, the second pair have been modified into stabilising appendages called halteres.
Where is it found?
Throughout Australasia, and most of the world. Within Australia, has been recorded in every state and territory except Tas.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Oriental Latrine Fly lives in close association with human habitation, and able to thrive in warmer climates, with increased breeding success, but also lives successfully in cooler areas. Adults are attracted to human garbage, rotting carcasses, and faeces, and have been recorded as carrying several types of disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococci typhi, Streptococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus sp.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
