This fly is approximately 5/8 inch (17 mm) in length. The eyes are dark red. The thorax is black with gray stripes. The metallic blue-green abdomen is distinctive for the species. There are black bristles on the thorax and abdomen. The legs are black.
This fly is probably common from spring through fall. They are commonly seen basking on outside walls of buildings or in sunny areas of the trails.
There are 3 species in this genus in North America. The adults are scavengers. The larvae live in carrion, excrement and similar materials. These flies are very similar to Flesh Flies (Sarcophagidae). Some authorities place both in one family.
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