lucilia illustris is a member of the calliphoridae family of flies commonly known as a blow fly. along with several other species, "l. illustris" is commonly referred to as the green bottle fly. "l. illustris" is typically 6–9 mm in length and has a metallic blue-green thorax. the larvae develop in three instars, each with unique developmental properties. the adult fly typically will feed on flowers, but the females need some sort of carrion protein in order to breed and lay eggs.