The Blue Fly (Calliphora vicina) is a small insect in the Calliphoridae family of blow flies. It is also known as the Blow Fly, the Bottle Fly, or the Blue Bottle Fly.
The Blue Fly has a metallic iridescent blue colour on its thorax and abdomen. It has bright orange cheeks. It has black bristles (small hairs) on its body.
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Animal Decomposition is the process of an animal’s body degrading (breaking down) into organic matter after death.
There are two types of decomposition: abiotic and biotic.
Abiotic decomposition is degradation by chemicalal or physical processes.
Biotic decomposition is degradation by living organisms (insects, such as ants, beetles and flies, or by bacteria, or fungi).
The Blowfly (Chrysomya) is a prime decomposer of animal bodies.
Scavengers (hyena, vultures, wolves, foxes, rats etc.) also have a role in animal decomposition.
There are 5 stages to decomposition of small to large animals: (1) fresh, (2) bloat (accumulation of gases in the body), (3) active decay, (4) advanced decay, and (5) dry remains.