Summary

Blow flies help decompose animals but can also be considered pests. The oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), is an invasive blow fly species recently documented in Tennessee. This fly is a concern because it is known to carry antibiotic-resistant strains of multiple pathogens and other harmful bacteria. This publication raises awareness of the oriental latrine fly's potential presence and encourages the submission of specimens to help track its distribution in Tennessee.