These flies usually have a metallic green tegument (skin surface) when young, but they turn bronze with age as this becomes worn. There are many green flies of several different families and microscopic examination is usually needed to identify most of them.

There are two Neomyia species which are very hard to distinguish from a photo. They also resemble Lucilia 'greenbottle' flies.

The Neomyia species are separated by the arrangement of bristles on the scutum. 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. N. cornicina has 1 pair of presutural acrostichals and 3 pairs of postsutural dorsocentrals. (See the Identification Aid below.)

Meadows and hedgerows.

Peaks March/May and August/October.

Larvae can be found in dung. Adults take the pollen and nectar of various flowers.

A scattering of records from England but many more from the western coastal areas of Wales.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland