NOTES ON BIOLOGY 01' SOME irjSCOID FLIES. — .JOHNSTON. 79 



Lucilia sericata Meigen. 



The fly to which this name is attached in Austraha is 

 very common during summer, being prevalent in the vicinit}^ 

 of houses. It is frequently seen in winter in Queensland, 

 increasing in numbers gradually until it becomes the dominant 

 blowfly in December. It is one of the sheep maggot-flies. Frog- 

 gatt (1921, p. 812) has referred to its prevalence in Ncaa' South 

 Wales. 



It is almost certain that more than one species is included 

 under this name in Australia. The bronze-coloured forms so 

 commonly met mth are not necessarily specifically distinct 

 from the bright-green individuals, as both may be found 

 amongst the progeny of one female. The British Museum con- 

 tains specimens with this specific designation from Melbourne, 

 as well as from India, Egypt, South Africa, Great Britain, 

 etc. One of the New Zealand sheep blowflies is identified as 

 belonging to this European species. 



In all tables in this papar the egg period is given in hours and the 

 remaining periods in days unless otherwise indicated. 



The egg period is generally between 16 and 17 hours in 

 summer. The larval feeding stage usually occupies from 4 to 5 

 days except during winter when it takes 5 or 6 ; while the 

 larval resting stage is generally 3 to 4 days in summer and 



