Common blowfly vs small tortoiseshell

Calliphora grahami compared with Aglais urticae

Key Differences

• Common blowfly is Least Concern while small tortoiseshell is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Common blowfly	small tortoiseshell
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Arthropoda (Arthropods)	Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same	Insecta (Insects)	Insecta (Insects)
Order	Diptera (Diptera)	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)
Family	Calliphoridae	Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Genus	Calliphora	Aglais
Species	Calliphora grahami	Aglais urticae

Evolutionary Relationship

Common blowfly and small tortoiseshell share a common ancestor at the Class level: Insecta. (Insects)

Conservation Status

Common blowfly

LC — Least Concern

small tortoiseshell

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Common blowfly	small tortoiseshell
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Common blowfly

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Found in United States.

small tortoiseshell

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Found across Europe (41 countries). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Common blowfly

The common blowfly (<em>Calliphora grahami</em>) is a fly species found across the United States, typically inhabiting all terrestrial and freshwater environments. As a member of the family Calliphoridae, this species often plays an important ecological role as a decomposer and pollinator across its range. The common blowfly is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population with no immediate threat of extinction. Its diet includes decaying organic matter, making it a significant contributor to nutrient cycling in its native habitats. The species is commonly associated with a wide variety of terrestrial ecosystems, from open grasslands to forested areas, and is often found near human settlements. Biological traits of this species remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.

small tortoiseshell

small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Close to qualifying as threatened, with populations that may become vulnerable without conservation action.