Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Syrphus obesus
Musca obesa
Volucella obesa
Volucella obesoides
Ornidia obesoides
Identification
Metallic green or purplish blue Flies.
Range
In the New World tropics and once was more widespread in the Old World tropics and the north of the New World. In the New World, as far north as Colorado, Massachusetts and New York, and in the Old World tropics as far west as mainland Africa,
Habitat
It breeds in human latrines and other semiliquid wastes.
Remarks
It is known to carry bacteria of public health importance (Salmonella, Shigella and Mycobacterium). The species is also beneficial as the maggots can convert coffee-production waste products into useful protein sources for cattle feed.
