There are several lookalike Greenbottle species that occur in different fly families and to the inexpert eye can look confusingly similar. This species has metallic green jowls. The body coloration tends to bronze with age.

The two Neomyia species are separated by the arrangement of bristles on the scutum. N. cornicina has 1 pair of presutural acrostichals and 3 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals. N. viridescens is without presutural acrostichals and usually has 4 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals though it can occasionally have only 3 on one or even both sides. (See Identification Aids below.)

A good image is required showing the bristles on the top of the thorax.

Can often be seen nectaring on various flowers, but also on dung and carrion.

Peak times are March to May and August to October but can be seen outside of these periods.

This Neomyia species breeds in dung.

It occurs mainly in the southern half of Britain where it is fairly frequent.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.