The blue bottle fly is a common blow-fly. The fly is stout and medium to medium-large size, and about 1/2 inch long. Its head and thorax are gray and the abdomen is a bright metallic blue. Its eyes are red and its body and legs are black and covered with black bristle-like hair. Larvae are eyeless and legless and are pale yellow to white in color. They are tapered from the large, rounded rear segment to the head.

The blue bottle fly is found in pastures, barnyards, gardens, and rotting material. This species is widespread and common.