Green bottle flys

Hi,i noticed today whilst weeding that my mint plant flowers are full of green bottle flys is it normal to have a huge amount?

 

I've not heard of green bottle flies Joolz, bluebottles yes. Are they similar?

 

I think Joolz is refering to the things that are like a smaller bluebottle, except metalic green in colour.

I get quite a few of those visiting the Gold Rod when its in bloom. Unlike bluebottles I can't say I've noticed them on dead things or poo, but more on flowers, so I suspect they feed on nectar rather than death, so not as gross. But I could be wrong.

 

They've got a thing for chicken 'doings'

 

There isnt much info on wiki or google info about what they like but yeah sheal they just look like bluebottles but metalic green just so many of them i thought i might have a problem with my mint? i always thought botttle flys like rotting dead matter or 'doings' like loli's said x

 

Nice!

 

Like many insects, they like a good "meal"; and nectar gives that. In desperation, they turn to pooh. I take it your mint is in flower?

 

Hi mum,yes its all in flower not sure which variety it is that they like the most as they wasnt on my,chocolate,orange and moroccan mints yest when i checked
I think i will relocate it over to the other side away from the patio patch in time for next yrs swarm x