BLOW FLY Meaning and
Definition
-
Blow fly refers to any of various flies belonging to the family Calliphoridae, characterized by their metallic and iridescent coloration. These flies are of great scientific and forensic significance due to their vital role in the process of decomposition of animal remains. The blow fly lays its eggs on carrion or decaying organic matter, and the resulting larvae, commonly known as maggots, feed on the decomposing material. This process, known as carrion-feeding, helps in the recycling of nutrients in the environment.
Blow flies are known for their rapid reproductive capabilities and their ability to locate decomposing material from considerable distances. Their ability to colonize carcasses within minutes or hours after death enables them to be used in forensic investigations, such as estimating the time of death or determining if a body has been tampered with. The life cycle of a blow fly typically consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage plays a crucial role in the decomposition process.
These flies are often attracted to foul-smelling odors, blood, or excrement, which can make them a nuisance in urban environments. However, they also serve important ecological functions as pollinators and as a food source for other organisms. Additionally, some species of blow flies are known to be parasitic, feeding on the living tissue of mammals, including humans, causing economic and health concerns.
In conclusion, blow flies are a diverse group of flies that play a vital role in the decomposition process and forensic investigations. Their distinctive appearance, rapid reproductive capabilities, and attraction to carrion make them significant contributors to the ecological balance and important tools for understanding various scientific and forensic aspects.
-
• Flesh-fly, Musca vomitoria, a fly that deposits its eggs in flesh; the maggots are sometimes seen in subjects in the dissecting room.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLOW FLY
- vlow fly
- nlow fly
- hlow fly
- glow fly
- bkow fly
- bpow fly
- boow fly
- bliw fly
- blkw fly
- bllw fly
- blpw fly
- bl0w fly
- bl9w fly
- bloq fly
- bloa fly
- blos fly
- bloe fly
- blo3 fly
- blo2 fly
Etymology of BLOW FLY
The word "blow fly" has a rather interesting etymology.
The term "blow" in "blow fly" actually comes from an Old English word "blāwan", which means "to blow or emit air". This word was used because blow flies, also known as carrion flies, are known for their habit of depositing their eggs in decaying flesh. The blow flies blow air or expel small droplets of fluid onto the meat before laying their eggs.
The word "fly" itself comes from the Old English word "flēoge", which refers to any winged insect. Over time, the term "blow fly" became a specific term for the carrion flies that have distinctive metallic blue or green colors and feed on decaying animal remains.
Similar spelling words for BLOW FLY
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
