The uses of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794)(Diptera: Calliphoridae) in forensic entomology:

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments. Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation, and therefore forensic entomologists. The identification, geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban, stored-product, medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly

Ultrastructure of adhesive device in fly in families Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae, and their implication as mechanical carriers of pathogens

Abstract The ultrastructure of adhesive device or the pulvilli, pad-like structure between the tarsal claws of the legs, is presented in the blowfly (Calliphoridae), housefly and relatives (Muscidae), and flesh fly (Sarcophagidae) through scanning electron microscopy. The blowfly species were Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya nigripes, Chrysomya pinguis, and Chrysomya villeneuvi; while those of the housefly and relatives were Musca domestica and Hydrotaea chalcogaster, respectively. Fresh fly species included Boettcherisca peregrina and Liosarcophaga dux. Numerous tenent setae were observed on the ventral side of the pulvilli. Two features of the tip of the tenent setae were found as a spatula-like (in C. chani, C. pinguis, C. nigripes, M. domestica, H. chalcogaster, B. peregrina, and L. dux) and spoon-like tip (in C. villeneuvi). Transmission electron microscopy of the tenent setae in M. domestica revealed the electron-lucent centrally located, suggesting an adhesive substance. These results provided anatomical information that allow us to not only understand the successful attachment of flies to smooth surfaces but also clarify their role as a mechanical carrier of microorganisms

Predicting Geographic Distribution of Forensically Significant Blow Flies of Subfamily Chrysomyinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Northern Thailand

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are carrion-breeding flies that are commonly used as evidence in forensic investigation. An adequate knowledge of ecological and geographical data of blow fly has a direct application in forensic science, as far as estimating time of colonization or corpse relocation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of four species of Chrysomyinae (Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya villeneuvi, and Ceylonomyia nigripes) across six land use types in central Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Eighteen study sites were selected for sampling across three districts of Chiang Mai province (Mueang Chiang Mai, Mae Rim, and Hang Dong). Adult flies were collected every two weeks using a funnel trap baited with 1-day tainted beef offal. The predicted geographic distributions of forensically important blow fly species were modeled using the computer program ArcGIS, based on selected climatic variables (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) recorded at study sites. During the study period, 1298 adult flies were collected, with peak fly occurrence during summer (April–May). Seasonal fluctuation patterns varied depending on fly species. Climatic factors displayed diverse impact on associated fly populations. Identified species were restricted mainly to mixed deciduous forests (MDF) especially in the mountainous area. None of these flies were trapped in an urban area

Spatial Distribution of Forensically Significant Blow Flies in Subfamily Luciliinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand: Observations and Modeling Using GIS

Blow flies of the subfamily Luciliinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are one of the main forensically important subfamilies globally. In addition to being used to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), assuming colonization occurred after death, blow fly specimens found infesting a human corpse are used to determine if the corpse was relocated or if the individual ingested narcotics prior to death. The presence of these blow flies in a given area is strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, such as temperature, elevation, and habitat. Having this information, along with geographical distributions and the characteristics of preferred habitats, is necessary to better understand the biology of this group. This study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of Luciliinae throughout 18 sampling sites within six ecozones (disturbed mixed deciduous forest, mixed deciduous forest, mixed orchard, paddy field, lowland village, and city/town) in central Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand over one year (May 2009⁻May 2010). The purpose of the study was to elucidate the relationship of blow fly species composition with environmental abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, light intensity), and to predict the distribution of the common species within this subfamily using GIS. Adult collections were performed biweekly, baited with one-day-old beef offal. A total of 2331 Luciliinae flies trapped, comprising eight species, of which the four predominant species were Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (n = 1428; 61.3%), Lucilia porphyrina (Walker) (n = 381; 16.3%), Hemipyrellia pulchra (Wiedemann) (n = 293; 12.6%), and Lucilia papuensis Macquart (n = 129; 5.5%). Population density across species varied seasonally, peaking in August 2009 coinciding with the rainy season. Predicting population composition was based on a model developed with ArcGIS 9.2, which utilized environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) in conjunction with abundance data. Models indicated H. ligurriens had the most widespread geographic distribution, while H. pulchra was predicted to occur largely in mixed orchards and lowland villages. Lucilia porphyrina and L. papuensis were less widespread, restricted mainly to mixed deciduous forest. This model, along with knowledge of forensic information, may be useful under certain investigations where the corpse may have been relocated