Which type of fly can be recognized by its metallic sheen?

The blowfly is recognized by its distinctive metallic sheen, which can be seen on its body. This sheen varies in color, typically appearing as shades of green or blue, and is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of this group of flies. Blowflies are often associated with carrion, as they lay their eggs in decaying matter, and the larvae (maggots) feed on the decomposing materials. This metallic appearance helps them stand out, making it easier to identify them in both forensic entomology and pest control scenarios.

The sheen is not present in the other types of flies listed. For example, stable flies have a more muted appearance with grayish tones, while screw-worm flies are better recognized for their unique larval development in living tissues rather than any metallic sheen. Flesh flies tend to have a more matte coloration with some patterning but lack the bright metallic shine characteristic of blowflies. This difference in appearance makes the blowfly the clear choice when selecting for the specific characteristic of a metallic sheen.