Blowfly: meaning, definitions and examples

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blowfly

 

[ ˈbloʊflaɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insects, flies

A blowfly is a type of fly that belongs to the family Calliphoridae. They are often metallic in color and are commonly found in decaying organic matter, where they lay their eggs. The larvae, or maggots, feed on the decaying material and are crucial in the decomposition process. Blowflies are also known for their role in forensic science, as their presence can indicate the time of death in a forensic investigation.

Synonyms

blow fly, carrion fly, green bottle fly

Examples of usage

  • The blowfly was buzzing around the garbage.
  • Forensic experts collected blowfly larvae from the crime scene.
  • Blowflies can be a nuisance during the summer months.

Translations

Translations of the word "blowfly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mosca de carne

🇮🇳 सड़ती मक्खी

🇩🇪 Küchenschabe

🇮🇩 lalat bangkai

🇺🇦 муха-смертник

🇵🇱 muchówka

🇯🇵 ウジバエ

🇫🇷 mouche à viande

🇪🇸 mosca de la carne

🇹🇷 et sineği

🇰🇷 썩은 고기 파리

🇸🇦 ذبابة اللحم

🇨🇿 moucha masa

🇸🇰 mucha mäsová

🇨🇳 腐肉苍蝇

🇸🇮 muharica

🇮🇸 kjötfluga

🇰🇿 ет мухасы

🇬🇪 ხორცის ჭიაბური

🇦🇿 ət milçəyi

🇲🇽 mosca de carne

Etymology

The term 'blowfly' originates from the Old English word 'blāwan' meaning 'to blow,' which is a reference to the characteristic way in which the fly takes flight. The 'fly' part of the word is a direct reference to the insect itself. The name has been used in English since the 15th century, and it describes the fly's association with carrion and decomposition. Blowflies are among the first insects to arrive at a dead animal, hence their importance in both nature and forensic science. Their ability to thrive in decomposing environments has made them a subject of study in entomology, the scientific study of insects.