Which is NOT an early-stage decomposition fly?

• A. Calliphordae
• B. Blow fly
• C. Greenbottle fly
• D. House fly

Answer: (D)

In forensic entomology, the insects that arrive first on a fresh corpse are the early-stage decomposers, with blow flies from the family Calliphoridae leading the initial colonization. These flies are highly attracted to the strong scents of newly exposed tissue, lay eggs that quickly hatch into larvae, and thus mark the very beginning of decay. The green bottle fly is a well-known example of this group, and “blow fly” generally refers to these early visitors. The house fly, on the other hand, comes from the Muscidae family and is typically associated with manure, garbage, and other decaying but not freshly exposed tissue. It tends to appear later in the decomposition sequence once the body has progressed beyond the initial fresh stage, so it does not indicate the early-stage window.