Muscidae (Diptera) of medico-legal importance associated with ephemeral organic substrates in seasonally dry tropical forests

Muscidae (Diptera) comprises one of the most important taxa in medical, veterinary and forensic entomology, especially due to their association with decomposing carcasses and cadavers. Yet, knowledge on their distribution and behaviour is still incipient in several biomes, which is the case of dry tropical forests. This study aimed to evaluate the attractiveness of different organic substrates to species of Muscidae in areas of seasonally dry forests (Caatinga) in Northern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in five Caatinga areas between 2015 and 2017, using suspended traps baited with bovine spleen, fish or human faeces. When all samplings were combined, 3,176 adults of nine species were collected. The assemblages of muscids had higher richness and abundances on bovine spleen, which attracted 66% of all specimens, when compared to the other substrates. Musca domestica was the most abundant species, and it was dominant in assemblages associated with spleen and fish. Assemblages attracted to spleen and fish had higher similarity, differing from those associated with faeces. Differences in food attractiveness are presented for species of medical interest as pathogen vectors (e.g., Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp, 1883)) and of forensic relevance as colonizers of human corpses (e.g., Ophyra aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830))

Muscidae (Diptera) of medico-legal importance associated with ephemeral organic substrates in seasonally dry tropical forests

Muscidae (Diptera) comprises one of the most important taxa in medical, veterinary and forensic entomology, especially due to their association with decomposing carcasses and cadavers. Yet, knowledge on their distribution and behaviour is still incipient in several biomes, which is the case of dry tropical forests. This study aimed to evaluate the attractiveness of different organic substrates to species of Muscidae in areas of seasonally dry forests (Caatinga) in Northern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in five Caatinga areas between 2015 and 2017, using suspended traps baited with bovine spleen, fish or human faeces. When all samplings were combined, 3,176 adults of nine species were collected. The assemblages of muscids had higher richness and abundances on bovine spleen, which attracted 66% of all specimens, when compared to the other substrates. Musca domestica was the most abundant species, and it was dominant in assemblages associated with spleen and fish. Assemblages attracted to spleen and fish had higher similarity, differing from those associated with faeces. Differences in food attractiveness are presented for species of medical interest as pathogen vectors (e.g., Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp, 1883)) and of forensic relevance as colonizers of human corpses (e.g., Ophyra aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830))

Life post-death: Colonization of a bat carcass by Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in a Neotropical cave

Caves are habitats characterized by low light or total darkness, whose fauna is largely composed of animals that adapt to dark environments, such as bats and many arthropods. Here, we present the first record of bat carcass colonization by Diptera larvae in a cave in the Neotropics. Twenty-one adult specimens of Microcerella halli (Sarcophagidae), seven males and 14 females, emerged from larvae collected in a carcass of Pteronotus gymnonotus (Mormoopidae) found in a twilight zone, about 15 m from the cave entrance. The mean time between carcass collection and adult emergence was 17.99 ± 0.44 days. As colonization by M. halli only occurs after death, we estimated the mean duration of the pupal stage – by recording daily pupation and emergence data – and attempted a preliminary estimate of the post-mortem interval, which indicated that larviposition occurred at least 24 h before carcass collection. Furthermore, we discussed the fact that M. halli females can find and colonize carcasses in low light environments, reinforcing the forensic potential of the species

Acidentes com animais peçonhentos: um estudo etnozoológico com agricultores de Tacaratu, sertão de Pernambuco

Agriculture-related activities in low input areas expose humans to a variety of accidents caused by poisonous animals, such as snakes, scorpions and centipedes. This study was performed to investigate, from an ethnozoological perspective, the occurrence of accidents caused by poisonous animals in Tacaratu, sertao of Pernambuco State, Brazil. In December 2004, we interviewed 37 farmers in order to characterize the cases and also to assess the victims’ medicinal responses. We observed that accidents caused by bees and scorpions were the most frequent, and that the farmers used several popular medicinal products, primarily plant-derived. People frequently rely on religious rituals and ask for local healers’ help, especially to heal snake-inflicted bites. The use of popular medicine is stimulated by relatives and represents a combination of elements from European, indigenous and African cultures and religions.A atividade agrícola em regiões de baixa tecnologia expõe o homem a acidentes com diversos animais peçonhentos, como serpentes, escorpiões e centopéias. Este estudo foi conduzido para investigar, a partir de uma perspectiva etnozoológica, a ocorrência de acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos em Tacaratu, sertão de Pernambuco. Em dezembro de 2004, realizamos entrevistas com 37 agricultores para caracterizar o perfil dos casos e documentar as medidas adotadas pelos acidentados. Observamos que os acidentes mais freqüentes foram causados por abelhas e escorpiões, e que os agricultores fazem uso de diversos produtos da medicina popular, principalmente a fitoterapia. Acidentados recorrem a rituais religiosos e solicitam a ajuda de curandeiros da comunidade, especialmente para curar as mordidas de serpentes. O uso da medicina popular é estimulado por familiares e representa uma combinação de elementos das culturas e religiões européias, indígenas e africanas

Diversity of Diptera species associated with pig carcasses in a Brazilian city exposed to high rates of homicide

Cities in northeastern Brazil experience extreme rates of unsolved homicides, a situation that stimulates innovative procedures in the police work, such as forensic entomology. We surveyed necrophagous insects associated with carrion in a city exposed to high rates of homicides in Northeastern Brazil. The experiments were carried out in a rainforest fragment located in Recife, State of Pernambuco. Two pig carcasses were used as models, one in the dry and the other in the rainy season. The collection of adults was performed daily until the complete skeletonization of the carcasses. At least 32 Diptera species from the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Fanniidae, Phoridae, Anthomyiidae, Piophilidae, and Stratiomyidae were registered, some of which have been previously documented on cadavers. A high richness of Diptera species was registered in all stages of decomposition. A strong overlap in the occurrence of most species was observed, which invalidates a defined entomological succession on the carcasses. Two species stood out in terms of abundance: Ophyra chalcogaster (Muscidae) and Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae). The ubiquity of Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Calliphoridae) seems to confirm its preference for forest fragments exposed to low anthropogenic action. Our data contribute to expand the knowledge on the geographical distribution of forensically relevant species in the region and confirm the rapid dissemination of invasive Chrysomya species in forested areas

Percepção sobre distúrbios de saúde entre trabalhadores expostos a música eletronicamente amplificada em danceterias de Recife

This study aimed at detecting health problems and analyzing the level of knowledge and protection against harmful effects of electronically amplified music (EAM) among disco workers in Recife. Between March and July 2006, we visited nine clubs and interviewed 71 employees directly exposed to loud music, such as security staff, hostesses, waiters, and cashiers. Sleep disorders (insomnia) were reported by 33.8% of the employees. The most commonly cited health problems were stress (23.9%), buzz (22.5%), sensation of echo (15.5%) and earache (5.6%). Around 75% of the employees do not use any ear protection during working hours. The data suggest that exposure to EAM can influence workers’ health and stresses out the need for a deeper awareness among workers and managers.Este trabalho visou a detectar problemas de saúde e analisar o nível de conhecimento e proteção contra os efeitos danosos da música eletronicamente amplificada (MEA) entre funcionários de danceterias de Recife. Entre março e julho de 2006, foram visitadas dez danceterias, sendo entrevistados 71 trabalhadores expostos diretamente ao barulho intenso, como seguranças, recepcionistas, garçons e caixas. Distúrbios do sono (insônia) foram citados por 33,8% dos funcionários. Os problemas de saúde mais freqüentemente citados foram estresse (23,9%), zumbido (22,5%), sensação de eco (15,5%) e dor de ouvido (5,6%). Cerca de 75% dos funcionários não utilizam proteção auditiva durante o trabalho. Esses dados sugerem que a exposição à MEA pode alterar a saúde dos trabalhadores e destacam a necessidade de maior conscientização entre funcionários e gerentes

Biofilia e bem-estar animal: percepção e posicionamento de universitários de Pernambuco

The Biophilia hypothesis is based, among other ideas, on an evolutionary necessity of human contact with nature – including plants and animals. This work aimed at comparing the affinity and ethical commitment with animals among university students. We applied questionnaires to 72 students of Management, 59 of Biological Sciences and 62 of Engineering at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, focusing on their perception about affinity and concern about animal welfare. The sympathy towards animals was similar in different courses, and Mammalia was the favorite taxon in all courses. Students agree that the human-animal interaction is beneficial to men and that animals need company and loving care. Also, they support more severe penalties to those who commit crimes against animals. The affinity and ethical awareness is unaffected by the area of study among target public, which is in accordance with the Biophilia hypothesis.A Biofilia é uma hipótese baseada, entre outras idéias, em uma necessidade evolutiva de contato do homem com a natureza – incluindo plantas e animais. Este trabalho visou comparar a afinidade e comprometimento ético com animais entre estudantes universitários. Foram aplicados questionários a 72 estudantes de Administração, 59 de Ciências Biológicas e 62 de Engenharia Civil da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, focalizando sua percepção sobre afinidade e preocupação com o bem-estar dos animais. A afinidade por animais foi semelhante nos diferentes cursos, sendo que Mammalia foi o táxon mais apreciado em todos os cursos. Os estudantes concordam que a interação com animais é beneficial ao homem e que os animais necessitam de companhia e carinho. Também defenderam maior rigor na punição para crimes cometidos contra animais. Observa-se que a afinidade e a consciência ética para com os animais independem da área do conhecimento no universo estudado, o que corrobora a hipótese da Biofilia

Flebotomíneo em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica na Região Metropolitana do Recife, PE

An investigation was conducted into the distribution of sandfly fauna in 4 fragments of Atlantic forest in the Metropolitan Area of Recife. It consisted of the capture adult insects using CDC light traps. A total of 1,173 specimens were distributed in 11 species of Lutzomyia: Lutzomyia evandroi, Lutzomyia choti, Lutzomyia walkeri, Lutzomyia umbratilis, Lutzomyia brasiliensis, Lutzomyia sordellii, Lutzomyia claustrei, Lutzomyia wellcomei, Lutzomyia fluviatilis, Lutzomyia furcata e Lutzomyia aragaoi