The female fly locates a sheep with ideal conditions, such as an open wound or a build-up of faeces or urine in the wool, in which she lays her eggs.

L. cuprina is a species of blow fly characterized by a metallic outer appearance and reddish eyes.

[2] Adults are easy to distinguish due to bristles on the meron, in addition to the arista, the prominent hair on the terminal antennal segment being plumose, or feathery.

Although known as the Australian sheep blowfly, L. cuprina can be found in other parts of the world, including Africa and North America.

Larvae are often found in shaded regions of carrion, while the adults prefer bright, open areas.

The pupa does not feed, but rather uses the time inside the casing to change from a rice-like larva into an adult fly with wings and six legs.

[5] Ewe lambs and female sheep are primarily affected and are struck predominately in the rear quadrant of the animal due to fecal staining.

Due to the difficulty in controlling these flies, considerable losses in the sheep industry occur every year.

Also, concern is increasing for insecticide use and the surgical procedures done to control L. cuprina, making this not only an animal welfare issue, but also an economical one.

Sheep show signs of skin irritation by rubbing and biting the affected areas during the first few days after the eggs have been laid.

Although treatment is available, the delayed response time due to symptoms allows wool breakage in the affected area and fleece to be tender overall.

Many predispositions to the flystrike make a host more favorable, including an infection with dermatophilosis and footrot, both of which can be treated and prevented.

Surgical procedures are also performed in the sheep industry to help prevention, one of which is controversial due to its invasive nature.

Tail docking to the correct length reduces the amount of staining in the breech area due to urine and fecal matter.

This procedure does cause pain, but since it is considered the most effective method to prevent breech strike, it is seemingly justifiable.

Many government agencies mandate that the wool be free of insecticidal residues, forcing withholding periods by farmers before shearing.

Forensic professionals may then form a post mortem interval by the life stage found on the corpse.

A forensic investigator may conclude that a corpse has been relocated from its original location if it is found in a moist climate with L. cuprina on it.

The maggots of L. cuprina have been used by medical doctors for debridement therapy for patients who suffer from wounds that are healing slowly.

[11] The maggots cleanse the wound by eating the dead and infectious skin and preventing gangrene and further infection.