Colours of Calliphora flybums
(Up Close)

Most people would have had their homes invaded by a fly of the genus Calliphora, and yet would never have stopped to consider the hidden beauty of these abundant insects. Their colourful abdomens provide a quick and easy means by which to sort flies to species. However, some Calliphora species share abdominal colours, requiring their identity to be confirmed by closer analysis; for example, examination of bristles on the body or their genitalia!