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Case reports are extremely valuable in forensic entomology and very rare in Brazil. In this report we describe a case of multiple colonization of a preserved male cadaver found indoors in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, by four dipterans species of four different families: Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761) (Diptera: Fanniidae), Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), Muscina stabulans (Fallén, 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae) and Sarconesia chlorogaster (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The development time data of the species were used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI). Considering the methodology applied in this study and the values calculated for the species development, it was possible to estimate a minimum PMI of 24 days. Besides the diversity of dipteran species colonizing a single human body in an indoor environment, this case report reinforces the importance of these species as forensically indicator to estimate the time of death.

Forensic taphonomy makes use of the techniques of anthropology and archaeology in the investigation of the phenomena of death, since they are taphonomic factors and processes that affect the remains of an individual. In addition, it relies on disciplines such as forensic entomology, which is the study of insects associated with a dead body to determine the post-mortem interval. This study documented the decomposition process of four pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domestica) in a fragment of tropical dry forest located at the University of Magdalena, three of the carcasses were dismembered and placed in plastic bags individually and randomly and one undismembered carcass was placed outdoors. Sampling was carried out daily for 15 days, every 5 hours, recording body and environmental temperature and relative humidity of the site. Insects were collected with entomological nets and stored in fully labeled jars with 70% ethyl alcohol. Once the samples were analyzed, the chrono-sequence of the insects of forensic importance was obtained under different environmental conditions, documenting the times and changes in the phases of decomposition to determine the MPI under these conditions; in this investigation, it was observed that the decomposition of the parts of the pigs contained in sacks was faster than that of the control pig, despite the fact that the latter was exposed to the open air, facilitating the access of the insects. It is concluded that the decomposition process of a corpse varies according to environmental and climatic factors, physical agents, causes of death and post-mortem alterations. This information is important when clarifying medicolegal investigations since it helps to establish the MPI in corpses found in similar places and conditions., La tafonomía forense hace uso de las técnicas de antropología y arqueología en la investigación de los factores y procesos que afectan los restos de un individuo. Además, se apoya en disciplinas como la entomología forense ―el estudio de los insectos asociados a un cuerpo muerto― para determinar el intervalo post mortem (IPM). En esta investigación se documentó el proceso de descomposición de cuatro cadáveres de cerdos (Sus scrofa domestica) en un fragmento de bosque seco tropical ubicado en la Universidad del Magdalena. Tres de ellos fueron desmembrados y colocados en sacos plásticos de manera individual y aleatoria, y uno, sin alterar, se dejó al aire libre. El muestreo se realizó diariamente durante 15 días, cada cinco horas, registrando las temperaturas corporal y ambiental y la humedad relativa del lugar. Se recolectaron insectos con redes entomológicas y se almacenaron en frascos completamente rotulados con alcohol etílico al 70 %. Al analizar las muestras se obtuvo la cronosecuencia de los insectos de importancia forense en diferentes condiciones ambientales, documentando los tiempos y los cambios en las fases de descomposición para determinar el IPM en cada caso. Se observó que la descomposición de las partes de los cerdos contenidas en sacos fue más rápida que la del cerdo control, a pesar de que este último estuvo expuesto al aire libre, facilitando el acceso de los insectos. Se concluye que el proceso de descomposición de un cadáver varía según factores ambientales, climáticos, agentes físicos, causas de muerte y alteraciones post mortem. Esta información es importante a la hora de esclarecer investigaciones medicolegales ya que ayuda a establecer el IPM en cuerpos encontrados en lugares y condiciones similares.

Forensic entomology deals with the study of insects used in criminal investigations. Insects are drawn from the beginning to the decaying carcass and deposit their eggs. Forensic investigators can easily identify the cause of death, the postmortem index, and any changes in the posture of the dead body by observing the insect larval growth and population. Objective: To increase students' interest in pursuing careers related to forensic entomology, this study aims to determine the usefulness and viability of forensic entomology in Pakistan. This also creates an understanding of insects' lifestyles, awareness about beneficial insects, and the development of critical thinking. Forensic entomology plays a role in situations where the body has been dead for a while. Methods: The Maggot Blow Fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) was studied to determine the time since death using insects as evidence. The research at the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan focused on the fly's life cycle and development under different temperature conditions. The aim was to establish the accuracy of using the fly and its life cycle to estimate postmortem interval. Results: The following conditions were observed: temperature (humid) 190˚C–230˚C and cold temperature (dry) 160˚C–220˚C. Room temperature includes Cold Temperature (Humid) at 230˚C -280˚C and Dry at 220˚C - 260˚C. Conclusions: Chrysomya rufifacies employed in this study have shown that the growth cycle is affected by changes in temperature, and these characteristics may be used to predict the minimal period of death.

Forensic entomology deals with the study of insects used in criminal investigations. Insects are drawn from the beginning to the decaying carcass and deposit their eggs. Forensic investigators can easily identify the cause of death, the postmortem index, and any changes in the posture of the dead body by observing the insect larval growth and population. Objective: To increase students' interest in pursuing careers related to forensic entomology, this study aims to determine the usefulness and viability of forensic entomology in Pakistan. This also creates an understanding of insects' lifestyles, awareness about beneficial insects, and the development of critical thinking. Forensic entomology plays a role in situations where the body has been dead for a while. Methods: The Maggot Blow Fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) was studied to determine the time since death using insects as evidence. The research at the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan focused on the fly's life cycle and development under different temperature conditions. The aim was to establish the accuracy of using the fly and its life cycle to estimate postmortem interval. Results: The following conditions were observed: temperature (humid) 190˚C–230˚C and cold temperature (dry) 160˚C–220˚C. Room temperature includes Cold Temperature (Humid) at 230˚C -280˚C and Dry at 220˚C - 260˚C. Conclusions: Chrysomya rufifacies employed in this study have shown that the growth cycle is affected by changes in temperature, and these characteristics may be used to predict the minimal period of death.

Forensic entomology deals with the study of insects used in criminal investigations. Insects are drawn from the beginning to the decaying carcass and deposit their eggs. Forensic investigators can easily identify the cause of death, the postmortem index, and any changes in the posture of the dead body by observing the insect larval growth and population. Objective: To increase students' interest in pursuing careers related to forensic entomology, this study aims to determine the usefulness and viability of forensic entomology in Pakistan. This also creates an understanding of insects' lifestyles, awareness about beneficial insects, and the development of critical thinking. Forensic entomology plays a role in situations where the body has been dead for a while. Methods: The Maggot Blow Fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) was studied to determine the time since death using insects as evidence. The research at the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan focused on the fly's life cycle and development under different temperature conditions. The aim was to establish the accuracy of using the fly and its life cycle to estimate postmortem interval. Results: The following conditions were observed: temperature (humid) 190˚C–230˚C and cold temperature (dry) 160˚C–220˚C. Room temperature includes Cold Temperature (Humid) at 230˚C -280˚C and Dry at 220˚C - 260˚C. Conclusions: Chrysomya rufifacies employed in this study have shown that the growth cycle is affected by changes in temperature, and these characteristics may be used to predict the minimal period of death.

The 2022 student debates of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) happened during the Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America, Canada, and British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, and addressed entomological aspects beyond research and education. The Student Debates Subcommittee of the ESA Student Affairs Committee and the participating student team members communicated for 8 months and prepared for the debates. The theme of the ESA meeting in 2022 was “Entomology as inspiration: Insects through art, science, and culture”. There were 2 unbiased speakers who introduced the debate topics as well as 4 teams who debated the following 2 topics: (i) Is forensic entomology viable in criminal case investigations and court cases today? and (ii) Are insects being treated ethically in scientific research? The teams prepared for about 8 months, debated their arguments, and shared their thoughts with the audience. The teams were judged by a panel and the winners were recognized at the ESA Student Awards Session during the annual meeting.

This study is one of the important study which will help us out to study the difference in life cycle of insects along with difference in different types of insects if different person dies in different environment and at different places. This study will help more in the field of forensic entomology as study of this study majorly focuses on the changes occurring on dead body due to insects at two different places which are away from each other and differs in environmental conditions and also differ in case of varieties of insects found at the different places. This study is done at two places of Madhya Pradesh State which are Mandsaur and Indore and these places are 250km away from each other. We need to study the differences on entomological evidences in two compartments of four parts each. This study will add few more advancements in the field of forensic entomology and forensic science.

This study is one of the important study which will help us out to study the difference in life cycle of insects along with difference in different types of insects if different person dies in different environment and at different places. This study will help more in the field of forensic entomology as study of this study majorly focuses on the changes occurring on dead body due to insects at two different places which are away from each other and differs in environmental conditions and also differ in case of varieties of insects found at the different places. This study is done at two places of Madhya Pradesh State which are Mandsaur and Indore and these places are 250km away from each other. We need to study the differences on entomological evidences in two compartments of four parts each. This study will add few more advancements in the field of forensic entomology and forensic science.

This study is one of the important study which will help us out to study the difference in life cycle of insects along with difference in different types of insects if different person dies in different environment and at different places. This study will help more in the field of forensic entomology as study of this study majorly focuses on the changes occurring on dead body due to insects at two different places which are away from each other and differs in environmental conditions and also differ in case of varieties of insects found at the different places. This study is done at two places of Madhya Pradesh State which are Mandsaur and Indore and these places are 250km away from each other. We need to study the differences on entomological evidences in two compartments of four parts each. This study will add few more advancements in the field of forensic entomology and forensic science.

This study is one of the important study which will help us out to study the difference in life cycle of insects along with difference in different types of insects if different person dies in different environment and at different places. This study will help more in the field of forensic entomology as study of this study majorly focuses on the changes occurring on dead body due to insects at two different places which are away from each other and differs in environmental conditions and also differ in case of varieties of insects found at the different places. This study is done at two places of Madhya Pradesh State which are Mandsaur and Indore and these places are 250km away from each other. We need to study the differences on entomological evidences in two compartments of four parts each. This study will add few more advancements in the field of forensic entomology and forensic science.

This work documents the decomposition process of a pig carcass in a lentic ecosystem, simulating human body decomposition, in order to estimate the post-immersion interval (ISPM), in the Inasikas wamp of El Banco municipality (Magdalena Department). For this purpose, a pig carcass (Sus scrofa domesticus) was sacrificed by cranial contusion and used as a biomodel; The corpse was caged to allow insect decomposition, preventing large scavengers from reaching the body. Subsequently the carcass was submerged in a swamp 80 cm deep, for postmortem changes and entomological succession documentation. An 11-day ISPM was established, and six decomposition phases were documented, where Diptera belonging to Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae families were collected. Decomposition phases were observed as follow: fresh,earlyfloating, floating decomposition, swelling deterioration, floating debris, and sunken debris. Due to the country’s armed conflicts and crime, there is a need to expand knowledge in forensic areas. This investigation seeks to develop tools to facilitate legal processes, and to help clarify cases where little information about the events following a person’s death is available., En este trabajo se documenta el proceso de descomposición de un cadáver de cerdo en un ecosistema léntico, simulando la descomposición de un cuerpo humano, en la Ciénaga Inasikadel municipio El Banco (Departamento del Magdalena) con el fin de estimar el intervalo postinmersión (ISPM). Para esto, se usó como biomodelo un cadáver de cerdo (Sus scrofa domesticus) sacrificado por contusión craneal; el cadáver fue enjaulado de tal manera que ingresaran los insectos, más no los grandes carroñeros. Posteriormente se sumergió en la ciénaga a 80 cm de profundidad con el fin de documentar los cambios post mortem y la sucesión entomológica. Se estableció un ISPM de 11 días y se documentaron seis fases de descomposición, en las cuales se recolectaron dípteros pertenecientes a las familias de Muscidae, Calliphoridae y Sarcophagidae. Las fases de descomposición observadas fueron: fresca, flotación temprana, descomposición flotante, deterioro de la hinchazón, restos flotantes y restos hundidos. Finalmente, dada la necesidad que tiene el país de expandir el conocimiento en ciencias forenses a causa del conflicto armado y la delincuencia común, buscamos desarrollar herramientas que faciliten los procesos legales, ayudando a esclarecer casos donde se tenga poca información sobre los hechos seguidos a la muerte de una persona

Fannia pusio (Wiedemann) is originally from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it has repeatedly been collected from both animal carrion and human cadavers. This species is expanding its distributional range, and it has been introduced to Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, and Europe. Newly introduced species may be confused with native species of local arthropod necrophagous assemblages, which from a forensic entomology perspective may impact the accuracy of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations based on insect evidence. In this work we aim to raise awareness among forensic entomologists of the potential benefits and risks associated with the expanding range of F. pusio. Morphology of all larval instars is documented with a combination of light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Characters allowing identification from other forensically important Fanniidae are listed. Thermal requirements for the development of immature stages of F. pusio were examined under nine ambient temperatures. Models describing changes in larval body length over time were produced for eight different temperatures. The thermal summation constant (k) and developmental zero (Tmin) were calculated for six developmental events: hatching, first ecdysis, second ecdysis, wandering, pupariation, and eclosion.

Fannia pusio (Wiedemann) is originally from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it has repeatedly been collected from both animal carrion and human cadavers. This species is expanding its distributional range, and it has been introduced to Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, and Europe. Newly introduced species may be confused with native species of local arthropod necrophagous assemblages, which from a forensic entomology perspective may impact the accuracy of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations based on insect evidence. In this work we aim to raise awareness among forensic entomologists of the potential benefits and risks associated with the expanding range of F. pusio. Morphology of all larval instars is documented with a combination of light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Characters allowing identification from other forensically important Fanniidae are listed. Thermal requirements for the development of immature stages of F. pusio were examined under nine ambient temperatures. Models describing changes in larval body length over time were produced for eight different temperatures. The thermal summation constant (k) and developmental zero (Tmin) were calculated for six developmental events: hatching, first ecdysis, second ecdysis, wandering, pupariation, and eclosion.

Although rice production landscapes are often the scene of homicides, vertebrate decomposition and associated arthropods have never been described from rice paddies. Tropical rice landscapes are typically composed of irrigated/non-irrigated rice fields, fallow land (i.e., uncultivated fields), and low earthen levees (bunds) used as access pathways. The specific microclimatic and environmental conditions associated with each subunit of rice field landscapes are likely to impact carcass decomposition as well as the arthropod species associated with carrion. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the combined effects of constraints on arthropod colonization and survival, scarcity of necromass, limited habitat architecture, and recurrent disturbance limit the ability of carrion-related arthropods to colonize corpses and large carcasses in tropical rice-fields. Our results from monitoring pig carcasses in Philippine rice fields indicated that vertebrate decomposition in irrigated fields was slower and incomplete when compared to non-irrigated fields and bunds. Carcasses were colonized by a small complex of carrion-related arthropods that differed in composition and relative species abundance between dry bunds and relatively humid rice paddies. Fire ants (Solenopsis germinata) were observed frequently on carcasses exposed on bunds, rarely in non-irrigated fields, and almost never in irrigated fields. The presence of fire ants was associated with reduced blow fly (Chrysomya megacephala) abundance. Taken together, this indicates that the arthropod fauna associated with carcasses in tropical rice fields is relatively simple in contrast to the generally high arthropod diversity reported for other ecosystems at tropical latitudes. The limited richness of the community also means that an understanding of the development of one abundant calliphorid blow fly, C. megacephala, may be sufficient to investigate deaths and homicides under conditions similar to the ones described in th

This study is one of the important study which will help us out to study the difference in life cycle of insects along with difference in different types of insects if different person dies in different environment and at different places. This study will help more in the field of forensic entomology as study of this study majorly focuses on the changes occurring on dead body due to insects at two different places which are away from each other and differs in environmental conditions and also differ in case of varieties of insects found at the different places. This study is done at two places of Madhya Pradesh State which are Mandsaur and Indore and these places are 250km away from each other. We need to study the differences on entomological evidences in two compartments of four parts each. This study will add few more advancements in the field of forensic entomology and forensic science.

The larval development of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia sericata is a well-known and valuable tool for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). The third instar larvae of Ch. albiceps are facultative predators of the larvae of other necrophagous dipterans, and this behaviour is undoubtedly an important factor to consider. Both species are found together during human autopsies in Spain and other parts of Europe, where they cohabit, so a precise knowledge of their larval coexistence data is essential. The aim of this study is to investigate their coexistence and the intraguild predation of Ch. albiceps on L. sericata under experimental conditions and in real case reports. To analyse intra- and interspecific competition, four densities were used under controlled abiotic conditions [25ºC, 60-70% RH and 12:12 (D:N)]. The experimental data were compared with data corresponding to their coexistence in natural conditions, so annual activity and forensic case reports for both species were studied. The results indicate that the mortality of immature specimens in both species, the preimaginal developmental time, and adult size were affected by competition. In natural conditions, adult coexistence during the spring-summer period was confirmed. The simultaneity of the two species colonising human corpses is frequent in the studied area, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species, and L. sericata the relevant species for estimating the minimum postmortem interval.

Synthesiomyia nudiseta (van der Wulp, 1883) is a synanthropic muscid found in tropical and subtropical zones around the world. The larvae of this species are a secondary agent of myiasis with necrophagous habits and play an important role in forensic entomology, as they are used as an indicator of post-mortem interval. Adults can be considered vectors of etiological agents such as Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. Due to its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, its high dispersal capacity (shown by its introduction to Europe), its predatory habits in the last larval stage and the difficulty of identifying it, a very important goal is to update our knowledge about this species. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to review the identification, geographical distribution and biology of this species in order to provide better support to investigations involving this fly.

The Colombian conflict and common crime are the main sources of homicides in the country, confronting the authorities with abandoned and unidentified dead bodies, this situation raises the need to recreate crime scenes as a tool to estimate the Post-Mortem Interval. A pig carcass was used to study its decomposition process under sun exposure conditions in a tropical dry forest patch in Cerro Ziruma, Santa Marta, Colombia. The pig is a good biomodel, because of their biological similarities with the human being. Five phases of decomposition were observed, which were described along 10 days, considering physical changes and ambient temperature. It was documented the activity of necrophagous insects, which, concurrently with high temperatures of the study area, played an important role in the acceleration of decomposition process. The use of this type of biological models will allow in the future the development of forensic tools and the execution of sampling protocols, to clarify medical-legal researches, since it has useful information to estimate the times of death of corpses found in an advanced state of decomposition in similar ecosystem., El conflicto armado y la delincuencia común son las principales fuentes de homicidios en Colombia, lo que confronta a las autoridades con cadáveres abandonados y sin identificar; esta situación plantea la necesidad de recrear escenas del crimen como herramienta para estimar el Intervalo Post Mortem. Se utilizó un cadáver de cerdo para estudiar su proceso de descomposición bajo condiciones de exposición al sol en un fragmento de bosque seco del cerro Ziruma en la ciudad de Santa Marta, Colombia. El cerdo es considerado como un buen biomodelo, debido a las similitudes biológicas con el ser humano. Se evidenciaron cinco fases de descomposición, las cuales fueron descritas durante 10 días, teniendo en cuenta los cambios físicos y la temperatura ambiental. Se documentó la actividad de insectos necrófagos, la cual, junto a las altas temperaturas presentadas en el lugar de estudio, jugaron un papel importante en el aceleramiento del proceso de descomposición. El empleo de este tipo de biomodelos permitirá a futuro el desarrollo de herramientas forenses y la ejecución de protocolos de muestreos, para esclarecer investigaciones médico-legales, al contar con información útil para estimar los tiempos de muerte en cadáveres encontrados en avanzado estado de descomposición en ecosistemas similares.

The larval development of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia sericata is a well-known and valuable tool for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). The third instar larvae of Ch. albiceps are facultative predators of the larvae of other necrophagous dipterans, and this behaviour is undoubtedly an important factor to consider. Both species are found together during human autopsies in Spain and other parts of Europe, where they cohabit, so a precise knowledge of their larval coexistence data is essential. The aim of this study is to investigate their coexistence and the intraguild predation of Ch. albiceps on L. sericata under experimental conditions and in real case reports. To analyse intra- and interspecific competition, four densities were used under controlled abiotic conditions [25ºC, 60-70% RH and 12:12 (D:N)]. The experimental data were compared with data corresponding to their coexistence in natural conditions, so annual activity and forensic case reports for both species were studied. The results indicate that the mortality of immature specimens in both species, the preimaginal developmental time, and adult size were affected by competition. In natural conditions, adult coexistence during the spring-summer period was confirmed. The simultaneity of the two species colonising human corpses is frequent in the studied area, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species, and L. sericata the relevant species for estimating the minimum postmortem interval.

Synthesiomyia nudiseta (van der Wulp, 1883) is a synanthropic muscid found in tropical and subtropical zones around the world. The larvae of this species are a secondary agent of myiasis with necrophagous habits and play an important role in forensic entomology, as they are used as an indicator of post-mortem interval. Adults can be considered vectors of etiological agents such as Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. Due to its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, its high dispersal capacity (shown by its introduction to Europe), its predatory habits in the last larval stage and the difficulty of identifying it, a very important goal is to update our knowledge about this species. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to review the identification, geographical distribution and biology of this species in order to provide better support to investigations involving this fly.

Calliphoridae is a family of Diptera of great forensic interest because some of its species belong to the sarcosaprophagous diptera community, as their larvae are necrophagous or necrophilous. In the Iberian Peninsula there are six species that stand out, as they are the first insects to arrive at carrion: Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia caesar, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya megacephala. To differentiate among these blowflies, we compared the value of using traditional and geometric morphometrics by performing a morphometric analysis of the wings (shape and size). A total of 600 individuals were considered, segregated by species and sex equally. Seventeen landmarks per wing were recognized, and then centroid size and shape analyses were performed using geometric morphometrics, and size using traditional morphometrics, to identify species and sex. The results showed differences in shape among the species and it was found that landmarks 2 to 11 were the most variable, while the landmarks located at the base of the wings were relatively stable. However, according to both traditional and geometric morphometrics, no significant differences were found among species in wing size (Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya megacephala and Lucilia caesar were indistinguishable), but females were larger than males (except for the two Chrysomya species). Our results indicate that the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze wing configuration (shape) is an easy-to-use tool that helps to distinguish among common blowfly species of forensic importance., Generalitat Valenciana, Universidad de Alicante, Depto. de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

The Formicidae are considered crucial components of the entomosarcosaprophagous fauna because they can delay the decomposition process, cause tissue postmortem damage and produce bloodstain patterns that may confuse investigations. Moreover, some studies suggest that the Formicidae can act as environmental and seasonal indicators. However, studies on this group on vertebrate carcasses are scarce, especially in the Iberian Peninsula and the southwest of Europe. Thus, comparative studies at different altitudes in a protected wild mountain area could provide useful information on its composition in such environmental conditions, their role as environmental indicators and their forensic implications. For this reason, the Formicidae sarcosaprophagous community was studied at three different altitudes, between 400 and 1,500 m, in a wild mountainous area in the southeast of Spain using a modified Schoenly trap, with two pitfall traps inside, baited with 5 kg piglets (Sus scrofa L.). This work illustrates an approach to the community of the Formicidae, as a representative of the sarcosaprophagous community in an altitudinal gradient, showing a great variability in its composition. Furthermore, when comparing our results with other studies carried out in the Iberian Peninsula, we are able to suggest certain species with a potential utility as geographic and environmental indicators. Thus, Iberoformica subrufa, Lasius brunneus, Lasius cinereus and Camponotus sylvaticus are species of special interest as they appeared in either one of the sampled areas or in the same region., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Depto. de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

Calliphoridae is a family of Diptera of great forensic interest because some of its species belong to the sarcosaprophagous diptera community, as their larvae are necrophagous or necrophilous. In the Iberian Peninsula there are six species that stand out, as they are the first insects to arrive at carrion: Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia caesar, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya megacephala. To differentiate among these blowflies, we compared the value of using traditional and geometric morphometrics by performing a morphometric analysis of the wings (shape and size). A total of 600 individuals were considered, segregated by species and sex equally. Seventeen landmarks per wing were recognized, and then centroid size and shape analyses were performed using geometric morphometrics, and size using traditional morphometrics, to identify species and sex. The results showed differences in shape among the species and it was found that landmarks 2 to 11 were the most variable, while the landmarks located at the base of the wings were relatively stable. However, according to both traditional and geometric morphometrics, no significant differences were found among species in wing size (Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya megacephala and Lucilia caesar were indistinguishable), but females were larger than males (except for the two Chrysomya species). Our results indicate that the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze wing configuration (shape) is an easy-to-use tool that helps to distinguish among common blowfly species of forensic importance.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

Calliphoridae is a family of Diptera of great forensic interest because some of its species belong to the sarcosaprophagous diptera community, as their larvae are necrophagous or necrophilous. In the Iberian Peninsula there are six species that stand out, as they are the first insects to arrive at carrion: Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia caesar, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya megacephala. To differentiate among these blowflies, we compared the value of using traditional and geometric morphometrics by performing a morphometric analysis of the wings (shape and size). A total of 600 individuals were considered, segregated by species and sex equally. Seventeen landmarks per wing were recognized, and then centroid size and shape analyses were performed using geometric morphometrics, and size using traditional morphometrics, to identify species and sex. The results showed differences in shape among the species and it was found that landmarks 2 to 11 were the most variable, while the landmarks located at the base of the wings were relatively stable. However, according to both traditional and geometric morphometrics, no significant differences were found among species in wing size (Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya megacephala and Lucilia caesar were indistinguishable), but females were larger than males (except for the two Chrysomya species). Our results indicate that the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze wing configuration (shape) is an easy-to-use tool that helps to distinguish among common blowfly species of forensic importance.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

Plants of the genus Ipomoea are known to cause lethal poisoning in farm animals. However, little is known about the effects of their toxins on veterinary and forensic invertebrates. This study aimed to determine the effect of an aqueous extract of Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa at different concentrations on larval development time and size of immature Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), a species of forensic importance in Brazil. C. albiceps L1 larvae were subjected to three treatments: control (ground beef only), 80 g ground beef mixed with 40 mL of plant extract) and 80 g of ground beef mixed with 80 mL of plant extract. Larval development time until the pupal phase was statistically longer in the 40 and 80 mL extract treatments in relation to the control. The total length of the control larvae was significantly longer than with the extract treatments. The results suggest that the toxins present in I. carnea subsp. fistulosa slow the development of C. albiceps larvae., Plantas do gênero Ipomoea são conhecidas por ocasionarem intoxicações letais a animais de produção. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos de suas toxinas em invertebrados de importância médico-veterinária e forense. Esta pesquisa visou analisar o efeito do extrato aquoso em diferentes concentrações de Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa sobre o tempo de desenvolvimento larval e corporal de imaturos de Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), uma espécie de importância forense no Brasil. Larvas L1 de C. albiceps foram submetidas a três tratamentos: controle (apenas carne moída), 40 mL (40 mL de extrato de I. carnea subsp. fistulosa para 80 g de carne moída) e 80 mL (80 mL de extrato de I. carnea subsp. fistulosa para 80 g de carne moída). Os tempos de desenvolvimento larval até a fase de pupa foram estatisticamente maiores nos tratamentos de 40 e 80 mL, respectivamente, em relação ao controle. Foi observada também diferença significativa no comprimento total das larvas do controle com os demais tratamentos. Os resultados indicam que o contato com as toxinas presentes em I. carnea subsp. fistulosa retarda o desenvolvimento de larvas de C. albiceps.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

An extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved material, including the remains of 47 insect taxa and 12 taxa of other invertebrates, extracted from the 17th century burial of Bishop Peder Winstrup in Lund Minster, is presented and discussed in terms of the treatment of the body, activities connected with the burial and faunal significance. The invertebrate assemblages include species from gardens, insects feeding on living plants as well as dried or decaying plant matter. Many of the species are regarded as closely associated with humans (synanthropic), and a number of these are associated with outbuildings, such as stables and cellars. The absence of species associated with cadavers (necrophilous taxa) in the studied insect material is significant. The most plausible explanation is that the bishop died, and was buried during the winter, when such species are inactive, and thus precluded from colonising the body. A number of species were recorded which are today rare or very rare in southern Sweden. This is a strong indication that they once were more common and widespread, perhaps due to a greater prevalence of their preferred habitats. Sweden’s earliest fossil bedbug is also amongst the finds.

Lucilia eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as forensic indicator for the calculation of the post mortem interval in Costa Rica. Introduction. L. eximia is a species that shows a wide geographical distribution in Costa Rica, whose populations are stable throughout the year. The biological characteristics of L. eximia allow it to be considered as a potential forensic indicator for the calculation of the minimum post mortem interval (PMI). Objective. To compare the PMI calculated by a thermal accumulation model with L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with the PMI in corpses of pigs (Sus scrofa). Methods. Two pig corpses were exposed in a tropical premontane moist forest. Larvae of L. eximia were collected from the pig carcasses at 78, 144 and 192 hours after the moment of death, and their development was promoted under controlled conditions. With the data generated, thermal back-projections were made to calculate the PMI. Results. L. eximia required a total of 7 236.50 accumulated degree hours (ADH) to complete its life cycle. The IPMs calculated by the thermal accumulation model were 112.56, 153.60, and 104.64 hours, respectively. Only the intermediate value did not present statistically significant differences with the known time of death (p>0.05). Conclusions. The thermal accumulation model using L. eximia as a forensic indicator provided accurate information about the PMI only when samples were collected at 144 hours, which indicates that this method may be accurate and useful during the first stages of cadaveric decomposition., Introducción. L. eximia es una especie de amplia distribución geográfica en Costa Rica, cuyas poblaciones son estables durante todo el año. Las características biológicas de ésta permiten concebirla como un potencial indicador forense para el cálculo del intervalo post mortem mínimo (IPM). Objetivo. Comparar el IPM calculado mediante un modelo de acumulación térmica con L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), con el IPM real en cadáveres de cerdos domésticos (Sus scrofa). Material y Métodos. Dos cadáveres de cerdo fueron expuestos en un bosque premontano húmedo tropical. A partir de dichos cadáveres se colectaron larvas de L. eximia a las 78, 144 y 192 horas posteriores al momento de muerte y se propició su desarrollo en condiciones controladas. Con los datos generados, se realizaron retroproyecciones térmicas para efectuar el cálculo del IPM. Resultados. L. eximia requirió en total 7 236,50 gradoshora acumulados (ADH) para culminar su desarrollo. Los IPM calculados mediante el modelo de acumulación térmica para los tres momentos de colecta fueron 112,56; 153,60 y 104,64 horas. Únicamente el valor intermedio no presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas con el tiempo de muerte conocido (p>0.05). Conclusiones. El modelo de acumulación térmica en que se utilizó L. eximia brindó información precisa sobre el IPM sólo cuando se tomaron las muestras en el campo a las 144 horas, lo que perfila su utilidad para las primeras etapas de la descomposición cadavérica

This paper analyzes Forensic entomology. This approach is justified by the fact that entomology serves to determine the post-mortem interval, IPM, to clarify the facts of death, traumas or mutilations before death, as well as where the death occurred, to clarify circumstances of abuse, abandonment, such as identification of human DNA from insects, recovery of toxic substances in larvae to determine alcohol, medication and drug abuse. This purpose was achieved through the literature review, field experiment, the protocol suggested by Goff, García, Arnandos, Romera and Luna (2004) with some modifications. The study showed that insects are the first to reach a decomposing body, this occurs in a certain sequence following a natural process, generating a succession of species, following a pattern, but at the same time, unrepeatable, because it changes according to the place and the time of year. According the time of development, the larval stages of the insects can be determined with enough precision the possible causes of death or post mortem interval. (IPM) (Flores & Leonardo, 2012). In conclusion, the entomologist who understands these patterns could provide the forensic doctor as well as the authorities extremely useful information for criminal cases., Este trabajo analiza la entomología Forense. Tal abordaje se justifica en consideración a que la entomología sirve para determinar el intervalo pos mortem, I.P.M, esclarecer hechos de muerte, traumas o mutilaciones antes de la muerte, asimismo lugar donde ocurrió la muerte, esclarecer circunstancias de abuso, abandono, como la identificación del ADN humano a partir de insectos, recuperación de sustancias tóxicas en larvas para determinar alcoholemia, medicamento y droga de abuso. Este propósito fue conseguido a través de la revisión bibliográfica, experimento en campo, se sigue el protocolo sugerido por Goff, García, Arnandos, Romera y Luna (2004) con algunas modificaciones. El estudio evidenció que los insectos son los primeros en llegar a un cuerpo en descomposición, esto ocurre en determinada secuencia de manera natural, produciéndose una sucesión de especies, siguiendo ese patrón que es, al mismo tiempo, irrepetible, ya que varía en función al lugar, la época del año. Según el tiempo de desarrollo, los estadios larvales de los insectos se puede determinar con bastante precisión las posibles causas de muerte o el intervalo post mortem (IPM) (Flores & Leonardo, 2012). Como conclusión, el entomólogo que entienda estos patrones puede proveer tanto al médico forense, como a las entidades competentes, información sumamente útil para casos criminales.

This paper analyzes Forensic entomology. This approach is justified by the fact that entomology serves to determine the post-mortem interval, IPM, to clarify the facts of death, traumas or mutilations before death, as well as where the death occurred, to clarify circumstances of abuse, abandonment, such as identification of human DNA from insects, recovery of toxic substances in larvae to determine alcohol, medication and drug abuse. This purpose was achieved through the literature review, field experiment, the protocol suggested by Goff, García, Arnandos, Romera and Luna (2004) with some modifications. The study showed that insects are the first to reach a decomposing body, this occurs in a certain sequence following a natural process, generating a succession of species, following a pattern, but at the same time, unrepeatable, because it changes according to the place and the time of year. According the time of development, the larval stages of the insects can be determined with enough precision the possible causes of death or post mortem interval. (IPM) (Flores & Leonardo, 2012). In conclusion, the entomologist who understands these patterns could provide the forensic doctor as well as the authorities extremely useful information for criminal cases., Este trabajo analiza la entomología Forense. Tal abordaje se justifica en consideración a que la entomología sirve para determinar el intervalo pos mortem, I.P.M, esclarecer hechos de muerte, traumas o mutilaciones antes de la muerte, asimismo lugar donde ocurrió la muerte, esclarecer circunstancias de abuso, abandono, como la identificación del ADN humano a partir de insectos, recuperación de sustancias tóxicas en larvas para determinar alcoholemia, medicamento y droga de abuso. Este propósito fue conseguido a través de la revisión bibliográfica, experimento en campo, se sigue el protocolo sugerido por Goff, García, Arnandos, Romera y Luna (2004) con algunas modificaciones. El estudio evidenció que los insectos son los primeros en llegar a un cuerpo en descomposición, esto ocurre en determinada secuencia de manera natural, produciéndose una sucesión de especies, siguiendo ese patrón que es, al mismo tiempo, irrepetible, ya que varía en función al lugar, la época del año. Según el tiempo de desarrollo, los estadios larvales de los insectos se puede determinar con bastante precisión las posibles causas de muerte o el intervalo post mortem (IPM) (Flores & Leonardo, 2012). Como conclusión, el entomólogo que entienda estos patrones puede proveer tanto al médico forense, como a las entidades competentes, información sumamente útil para casos criminales.

Species composition, richness, and relative abundance of the communities of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae in Córdoba city, Argentina was assessed, and how these characteristics are affected by seasonal and anthropogenic conditions was studied. The study was carried out in thirteen sites with various levels of urbanization during 2014 and 2015, comparing two seasons: the warmer-wet summer and the cold-dry winter. Adult flies were collected in each site using two traps baited with hydrated bone meal. A total of 1683 flies were collected, belonging to twelve genera and 22 species. Several of the species collected are relevant to forensic sciences. The most frequent species were Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) and Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No differences in necrophagous fly richness or relative abundances between the central urban sites and the periphery suburban sites were observed; however, richness was significantly correlated with local (250 m buffer area) built-up density. Species composition differed between the urban and suburban sites. Seasonal differences were also detected: the relative abundances per species were more even in the summer. Dissimilarities in the assemblages were mainly due to differences in the relative abundances of some species, reflecting their adaptability to landscapes with different degree of urbanization. Regardless of season or urbanization density, species richness and effective number of species were higher in traps placed in the sun as opposed to shade. Taken together, these results suggest that in Córdoba city both landscape and local factors explain variations in the necrophagous fly community., Se evaluó la composición, riqueza y abundancia relativa de especies de las comunidades de Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Fanniidae en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y se examinó cómo estas características son afectadas por las condiciones estacionales y antropogénicas. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante 2014 y 2015 en trece sitios con diferentes niveles de urbanización, comparando las estaciones de verano cálido-húmedo e invierno frío-seco. Se recolectaron moscas adultas en cada sitio utilizando dos trampas cebadas con harina de hueso hidratada. Se recogieron 1683 moscas, pertenecientes a doce géneros y 22 especies. Varias de las especies recolectadas son relevantes en las ciencias forenses. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) y Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No se observaron diferencias en la riqueza ni en las abundancias relativas entre los sitios urbanos centrales y los sitios suburbanos periféricos; sin embargo, la riqueza se correlacionó con la densidad de construcción local (250 m de área buffer). La composición por especies difirió entre los sitios urbanos y suburbanos. Las abundancias relativas por especie fueron más uniformes en verano. Las disparidades en los ensambles se debieron principalmente a las diferencias en las abundancias relativas de algunas especies, lo que refleja su adaptabilidad a paisajes con diferente urbanización. Independientemente de la estación del año o de la densidad de urbanización, la riqueza de especies y el número efectivo de especies fueron mayores en las trampas al sol que a la sombra. Estos resultados sugieren que en la ciudad de Córdoba tanto el paisaje como los factores locales explican las variaciones en la comunidad de moscas necrófagas.

Species composition, richness, and relative abundance of the communities of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae in Córdoba city, Argentina was assessed, and how these characteristics are affected by seasonal and anthropogenic conditions was studied. The study was carried out in thirteen sites with various levels of urbanization during 2014 and 2015, comparing two seasons: the warmer-wet summer and the cold-dry winter. Adult flies were collected in each site using two traps baited with hydrated bone meal. A total of 1683 flies were collected, belonging to twelve genera and 22 species. Several of the species collected are relevant to forensic sciences. The most frequent species were Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) and Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No differences in necrophagous fly richness or relative abundances between the central urban sites and the periphery suburban sites were observed; however, richness was significantly correlated with local (250 m buffer area) built-up density. Species composition differed between the urban and suburban sites. Seasonal differences were also detected: the relative abundances per species were more even in the summer. Dissimilarities in the assemblages were mainly due to differences in the relative abundances of some species, reflecting their adaptability to landscapes with different degree of urbanization. Regardless of season or urbanization density, species richness and effective number of species were higher in traps placed in the sun as opposed to shade. Taken together, these results suggest that in Córdoba city both landscape and local factors explain variations in the necrophagous fly community., Se evaluó la composición, riqueza y abundancia relativa de especies de las comunidades de Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Fanniidae en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y se examinó cómo estas características son afectadas por las condiciones estacionales y antropogénicas. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante 2014 y 2015 en trece sitios con diferentes niveles de urbanización, comparando las estaciones de verano cálido-húmedo e invierno frío-seco. Se recolectaron moscas adultas en cada sitio utilizando dos trampas cebadas con harina de hueso hidratada. Se recogieron 1683 moscas, pertenecientes a doce géneros y 22 especies. Varias de las especies recolectadas son relevantes en las ciencias forenses. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) y Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No se observaron diferencias en la riqueza ni en las abundancias relativas entre los sitios urbanos centrales y los sitios suburbanos periféricos; sin embargo, la riqueza se correlacionó con la densidad de construcción local (250 m de área buffer). La composición por especies difirió entre los sitios urbanos y suburbanos. Las abundancias relativas por especie fueron más uniformes en verano. Las disparidades en los ensambles se debieron principalmente a las diferencias en las abundancias relativas de algunas especies, lo que refleja su adaptabilidad a paisajes con diferente urbanización. Independientemente de la estación del año o de la densidad de urbanización, la riqueza de especies y el número efectivo de especies fueron mayores en las trampas al sol que a la sombra. Estos resultados sugieren que en la ciudad de Córdoba tanto el paisaje como los factores locales explican las variaciones en la comunidad de moscas necrófagas.

Species composition, richness, and relative abundance of the communities of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae in Córdoba city, Argentina was assessed, and how these characteristics are affected by seasonal and anthropogenic conditions was studied. The study was carried out in thirteen sites with various levels of urbanization during 2014 and 2015, comparing two seasons: the warmer-wet summer and the cold-dry winter. Adult flies were collected in each site using two traps baited with hydrated bone meal. A total of 1683 flies were collected, belonging to twelve genera and 22 species. Several of the species collected are relevant to forensic sciences. The most frequent species were Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) and Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No differences in necrophagous fly richness or relative abundances between the central urban sites and the periphery suburban sites were observed; however, richness was significantly correlated with local (250 m buffer area) built-up density. Species composition differed between the urban and suburban sites. Seasonal differences were also detected: the relative abundances per species were more even in the summer. Dissimilarities in the assemblages were mainly due to differences in the relative abundances of some species, reflecting their adaptability to landscapes with different degree of urbanization. Regardless of season or urbanization density, species richness and effective number of species were higher in traps placed in the sun as opposed to shade. Taken together, these results suggest that in Córdoba city both landscape and local factors explain variations in the necrophagous fly community., Se evaluó la composición, riqueza y abundancia relativa de especies de las comunidades de Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Fanniidae en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y se examinó cómo estas características son afectadas por las condiciones estacionales y antropogénicas. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante 2014 y 2015 en trece sitios con diferentes niveles de urbanización, comparando las estaciones de verano cálido-húmedo e invierno frío-seco. Se recolectaron moscas adultas en cada sitio utilizando dos trampas cebadas con harina de hueso hidratada. Se recogieron 1683 moscas, pertenecientes a doce géneros y 22 especies. Varias de las especies recolectadas son relevantes en las ciencias forenses. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) y Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No se observaron diferencias en la riqueza ni en las abundancias relativas entre los sitios urbanos centrales y los sitios suburbanos periféricos; sin embargo, la riqueza se correlacionó con la densidad de construcción local (250 m de área buffer). La composición por especies difirió entre los sitios urbanos y suburbanos. Las abundancias relativas por especie fueron más uniformes en verano. Las disparidades en los ensambles se debieron principalmente a las diferencias en las abundancias relativas de algunas especies, lo que refleja su adaptabilidad a paisajes con diferente urbanización. Independientemente de la estación del año o de la densidad de urbanización, la riqueza de especies y el número efectivo de especies fueron mayores en las trampas al sol que a la sombra. Estos resultados sugieren que en la ciudad de Córdoba tanto el paisaje como los factores locales explican las variaciones en la comunidad de moscas necrófagas.

Species composition, richness, and relative abundance of the communities of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae in Córdoba city, Argentina was assessed, and how these characteristics are affected by seasonal and anthropogenic conditions was studied. The study was carried out in thirteen sites with various levels of urbanization during 2014 and 2015, comparing two seasons: the warmer-wet summer and the cold-dry winter. Adult flies were collected in each site using two traps baited with hydrated bone meal. A total of 1683 flies were collected, belonging to twelve genera and 22 species. Several of the species collected are relevant to forensic sciences. The most frequent species were Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) and Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No differences in necrophagous fly richness or relative abundances between the central urban sites and the periphery suburban sites were observed; however, richness was significantly correlated with local (250 m buffer area) built-up density. Species composition differed between the urban and suburban sites. Seasonal differences were also detected: the relative abundances per species were more even in the summer. Dissimilarities in the assemblages were mainly due to differences in the relative abundances of some species, reflecting their adaptability to landscapes with different degree of urbanization. Regardless of season or urbanization density, species richness and effective number of species were higher in traps placed in the sun as opposed to shade. Taken together, these results suggest that in Córdoba city both landscape and local factors explain variations in the necrophagous fly community., Se evaluó la composición, riqueza y abundancia relativa de especies de las comunidades de Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Fanniidae en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y se examinó cómo estas características son afectadas por las condiciones estacionales y antropogénicas. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante 2014 y 2015 en trece sitios con diferentes niveles de urbanización, comparando las estaciones de verano cálido-húmedo e invierno frío-seco. Se recolectaron moscas adultas en cada sitio utilizando dos trampas cebadas con harina de hueso hidratada. Se recogieron 1683 moscas, pertenecientes a doce géneros y 22 especies. Varias de las especies recolectadas son relevantes en las ciencias forenses. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) y Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No se observaron diferencias en la riqueza ni en las abundancias relativas entre los sitios urbanos centrales y los sitios suburbanos periféricos; sin embargo, la riqueza se correlacionó con la densidad de construcción local (250 m de área buffer). La composición por especies difirió entre los sitios urbanos y suburbanos. Las abundancias relativas por especie fueron más uniformes en verano. Las disparidades en los ensambles se debieron principalmente a las diferencias en las abundancias relativas de algunas especies, lo que refleja su adaptabilidad a paisajes con diferente urbanización. Independientemente de la estación del año o de la densidad de urbanización, la riqueza de especies y el número efectivo de especies fueron mayores en las trampas al sol que a la sombra. Estos resultados sugieren que en la ciudad de Córdoba tanto el paisaje como los factores locales explican las variaciones en la comunidad de moscas necrófagas.

Forensic entomology is primarily concerned with the estimation of time since death and involves determination of the age of immature insects colonising decomposing remains. Accurate age determination of puparia is usually accomplished by dissection, which means destructive sampling of evidence. As part of improving abilities to correctly identify species and developmental age, it is highly desirable to have available non-destructive methods. In this study, we acquired external hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data (77 spectral bands, 389-892 nm) from the dorsal and ventral sides of individual puparia of two species of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Calliphora dubia Macquart 1855 and Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart 1842. Puparia were dissected to determine the presence/absence of eight internal morphological development characteristics (legs, wings, labella, abdominal segments, antennae, thoracic bristles, orbital/facial bristles and eye colour and arista). Based on linear discriminant analysis and independent validation of HSI data, reflectance features from puparia could be used to successfully (1) distinguish the two species (classification accuracy = 92.5 %), (2) differentiate dorsal and ventral sides of puparia (classification accuracy C. dubia = 81.5 %; Ch. rufifacies = 89.2 %) and (3) predict the presence of these morphological characteristics and therefore the developmental stage of puparia (average classification accuracy using dorsal imaging: C. dubia = 90.3 %; Ch. rufifacies = 94.0 %). The analytical approach presented here provides proof of concept for a direct puparial age relationship (i.e. days since the onset of pupation) between external puparial reflectance features and internal morphological development. Furthermore, this approach establishes the potential for further refinement by using a non-invasive technique to determine the age and developmental stage of blowflies of forensic importance.

Forensic entomology is primarily concerned with the estimation of time since death and involves determination of the age of immature insects colonising decomposing remains. Accurate age determination of puparia is usually accomplished by dissection, which means destructive sampling of evidence. As part of improving abilities to correctly identify species and developmental age, it is highly desirable to have available non-destructive methods. In this study, we acquired external hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data (77 spectral bands, 389-892 nm) from the dorsal and ventral sides of individual puparia of two species of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Calliphora dubia Macquart 1855 and Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart 1842. Puparia were dissected to determine the presence/absence of eight internal morphological development characteristics (legs, wings, labella, abdominal segments, antennae, thoracic bristles, orbital/facial bristles and eye colour and arista). Based on linear discriminant analysis and independent validation of HSI data, reflectance features from puparia could be used to successfully (1) distinguish the two species (classification accuracy = 92.5 %), (2) differentiate dorsal and ventral sides of puparia (classification accuracy C. dubia = 81.5 %; Ch. rufifacies = 89.2 %) and (3) predict the presence of these morphological characteristics and therefore the developmental stage of puparia (average classification accuracy using dorsal imaging: C. dubia = 90.3 %; Ch. rufifacies = 94.0 %). The analytical approach presented here provides proof of concept for a direct puparial age relationship (i.e. days since the onset of pupation) between external puparial reflectance features and internal morphological development. Furthermore, this approach establishes the potential for further refinement by using a non-invasive technique to determine the age and developmental stage of blowflies of forensic importance.

Chrysomya albiceps (Weidemann), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the fly species of forensic interest commonly found in Brazil. The correct identification of the specimen, or fragment of a specimen, collected at a crime scene is a crucial step for the use of forensic entomology as a tool in criminal investigations. In this study, the discrimination of these three species of Calliphoridae based on wing morphology, by means of geometric morphometric analysis was investigated. Right wings of 139 specimens were analyzed, 55 C. albiceps, 42 C. megacephala e 42 H. segmentaria, through Canonical Variate Analysis, Discriminant Analysis and Cross Validation tests. Of the 278 pairwise comparison, six misidentifications were recorded for discriminant analysis (2.1%), while 22 (7.9 %) misclassification for cross-validation tests, which points to a high technical reliability index. More studies are needed to validate this technique for use in forensic practice, Chrysomya albiceps (Weidemann), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) e Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius)(Diptera, Calliphoridae) estão entre as espécies de dípteros necrófagos mais encontrados em locais de crime no Brasil. A correta identificação do espécime, ou fragmento deste, coletado em um local de crime é etapa fundamental para o emprego da entomologia forense em investigações criminais. Nesse estudo, avaliamos a possibilidade de identificação dessas três espécies de califorídeos pela morfologia alar, por meio de análises de morfometria geométrica. Foram analisadas as asas direitas de 139 espécimes, 55 C. albiceps, 42 C. megacephala e 42 H. segmentaria, por meio de análises de variáveis canônicas e análises discriminantes. Das 278 comparações par a par, apenas 6 seis erros de identificação foram registrados (2,1%), enquanto 22 (7,9%) erros de classificação para o teste de validação cruzada, o que aponta para um alto índice de confiabilidade da técnica. Mais estudos são necessários para a validação dessa técnica para seu uso na prática forense

Coleoptera (Arthropoda, Insecta) is considered one of the most important organism groups associated with organic matter decomposition and therefore may be useful to elucidate issues in the criminal context. The richness and abundance of beetles, including the necrophagous species, may vary according to climatic and physiogeographic conditions in different regions, thus the knowledge of the local entomofauna becomes relevant. Thereby, this study aimed to survey the local fauna and register the seasonal behavior of Coleoptera species associated with rodent carcasses exposed in a rural environment at Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (29°43'02.88"S 53°43'52.24"W). The collections were carried out quarterly throughout 12 months. Four Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) carcasses weighing approximately 400 g were exposed, simultaneously, in each season, protected by a steel cage. Four pitfall traps were arranged around each carcass. A total of 1,856 specimens belonging to 14 families of Coleoptera were collected. The greatest abundance was observed during spring (N= 1,006), followed by summer (N= 518), winter (N= 319) and fall (N= 26). Records of the necrophagous entomofauna of Rio Grande do Sul are still scarce. Beyond contributing to the database promotion of the necrophagous species of beetle as a forensic purpose, it is expected that this paper may instigate the achievement of more faunistic surveys, regarding the biodiversity matter of two singular biomes present in the South region, Pampa and Atlantic Forest., Coleoptera (Arthropoda, Insecta) está entre os grupos mais importantes de organismos associados à matéria orgânica em decomposição e por isso podem ser úteis para elucidar questões no âmbito criminal. A riqueza e a abundância de besouros, incluindo os necrófagos, podem variar de acordo com as condições climáticas e fisiogeográficas presentes em diferentes regiões, tornando-se assim relevante o conhecimento da entomofauna local. A partir disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi levantar a fauna local e registrar o comportamento sazonal de espécies de coleópteros associados a carcaças de roedor expostas em ambiente silvestre no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (29°43'02.88"S 53°43'52.24"W). As coletas foram realizadas trimestralmente ao longo de doze meses. Quatro carcaças de Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) de aproximadamente 400 g foram expostas, simultaneamente, em cada estação do ano, protegidas por uma gaiola de aço. Foram dispostas quatro armadilhas de queda ao redor de cada carcaça. Um total de 1.856 espécimes pertencentes a 14 famílias de Coleoptera foram coletados. A maior abundância foi observada na primavera (N= 1.006), seguida por verão (N= 518), inverno (N= 319) e outono (N= 26). Registros da fauna necrófaga para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul ainda são bastante escassos. Além de contribuir com o fomento de banco de dados de espécies de besouros para uso forense, espera-se que estudo possa estimular a realização de mais levantamentos faunísticos, tendo em vista a importância de dois biomas na região Sul no que diz respeito à biodiversidade, o Pampa e a Mata Atlântica.

Forensic entomology involves the use of insects and other arthropods to estimate the minimum time elapsed since death, referred to as minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This is based on the assemblage of insects found in association with remains, and most often, the time required for development of the first colonizing insects to develop to their size/life stage at time of collection. This process involves the accumulation of appropriate data for the development of the species of insect at a variety of relevant temperatures and consideration of the other biotic and abiotic factors that may affect developmental rate. This review considers the approaches to the estimation of minPMI, focusing largely on the age estimation of specimens collected from remains and the limitations that accompany entomology-based PMI estimations. Recent advances and newly developed techniques in the field are reviewed in regard to future potential.

English: While burial is utilised by criminals as a means of disposing of a body, knowledge of the impact it has on arthropod succession and decomposition within South Africa is currently lacking. The study was conducted within a 24 hectare grassland field, located on the University of the Free State grounds. A total of seven pig carcasses (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) were utilised for each of the two seasonal trials, with six of them being buried in randomly spaced graves at depths of 60cm and one placed above-ground as a control. Each of the graves was excavated on predetermined days over each 60 day trial to minimise disturbance and evaluate the impact of differing time periods on decomposition and arthropod succession. After its initial excavation, grave one was excavated every third day until the conclusion of the trial to determine the impact of disturbance on buried remains. Decomposition and biomass loss progressed faster on buried carcasses compared to aboveground during the winter season. A faster rate of decomposition and biomass loss was seen for the above-ground carcass versus the below-ground carcass during the summer season, mainly due to heavy rainfall causing waterlogging of the graves. Between the two seasons, a higher decomposition and biomass loss rate was recorded on the summer buried carcasses compared to those buried in winter. Dipteran species were seen to dominate on the summer control carcass, while, during the winter trial, the coleopteran species, Dermestes maculatus De Geer (Dermestidae), was noted to extensively colonise and outcompete present dipteran individuals. With cold, dry climatic conditions leading to the winter control carcass undergoing a form of mummification, adult D. maculatus individuals were seen to congregate on the carcass and reproduce, leading to larval aggregation during the active decay stage. During the trials, only dipteran species were found to colonise the winter buried carcasses, whereas the summer buried carcasses w, Afrikaans: Alhoewel misdadigers dikwels van „n liggaam ontslae raak deur dit te begrawe, is relatief min bekend oor die impak daarvan op arthropoodsuksessie en die ontbindingsproses in Suid- Afrika.. Die studie het plaasgevind op „n 24-hektaar grasland op die gronde van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat. Sewe varkkarkasse (Sus scrofta Linnaeus) is gedurende elk van die twee seisoenale proefperiodes gebruik, waarvan ses op „n diepte van 60cm op ewewydige afstande van mekaar begrawe is en een bogronds gelos is as die kontrole. Begraafte karkasse is opgegrawe op spesifieke voorafbepaalde tye oor die 60 dae van die proeftydperke en sodoende is verseker dat versteuring tot „n minimum beperk is terwyl die impak van „n grafomgewing op arthropoodsuksessie en ontbinding vasgestel is. Na die aanvanklike opgrawing van die eerste graf, was die graf vervolgens elke derde dag opgegrawe tot aan die einde van die proefperiode om die impak van versteuring te evalueer. Ontbinding en biomassa-verlies het „n vinniger tempo getoon vir karkasse wat begrawe was, teenoor die bo-grondse karkas gedurende winter. „n Vinniger tempo van ontbinding en biomassa-verlies was vir die bo-grondse karkas getoon in vergelyking met die begraafde karkasse gedurende die somer, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die swaar reën wat veroorsaak het dat die grafte deurdrenk geraak het. Vir die twee seisoene was „n vinniger tempo van ontbinding en biomassa-verlies gedurende die winter vir die begraafde karkasse ondervind. Diptera-spesies was, getalle gewys, in die meerderheid op die kontrole-karkas tydens die somer, maar gedurende die winter het „n Coleoptera-spesie, Dermestes maculatus De Geer (Dermestidae) tot so „n mate oorheers dat die besetting deur Diptera-spesies minimaal was. As gevolg van die koue, droë klimaatstoestande wat daartoe aanleiding gegee het dat die winter kontrole-karkas „n vorm van mummifikasie ondergaan het, is volwasse D. maculatus indivudië na die karkas aangetrek en voortplanting het tot larwal

English: Forensic entomology is a specialist branch of forensic sciences in which information about insects is used to draw certain conclusions when investigating medico-legal cases involving both humans and wildlife. The primary application of insects collected from a crime scene is to determine the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI). One of the principal cornerstones in the effective application of forensic entomology is the correct identification of species found at a crime scene. The estimation of PMI using succession and developmental data is dependent upon the specific species that were present on a cadaver. The aim of this study was to identify the members of the Diptera that are capable of colonising buried carrion within a Free State grassland area, as well as to compare below ground dipteran data with above ground dipteran succession patterns. The field experiments, conducted in order to determine what species of Diptera are capable of reaching buried carrion during winter and summer months, as well as to determine the succession patterns of Diptera on buried remains, were conducted on the west fields of the University of the Free State campus, in central South Africa. The area is characterised by dry mild winters and warmer summers, with occasional rainfall periods. A total of seven pigs (Sus scrofa Linnaeus 1758) were used during each season, which consisted of one above ground control carcass and six separate below ground carcasses buried at 60 cm. Below ground carcasses were left for predetermined periods of time and were excavated on separate occasions over each 120 day trial period to monitor dipteran occurrence, colonisation and dipteran interactions. Members of Diptera were found to colonise carcasses at 60 cm during both winter and summer trials. Higher dipteran species diversity was noted on the buried winter carcasses in comparison to the buried summer carcasses. Four species of Diptera, Megaselia scalaris (Loew 1866) (Phoridae), Conicera tibialis Schmi, Afrikaans: Forensiese entomologie is ‘n spesialisafdeling van forensiese wetenskap waar inligting aangaande insekte gebruik word om sekere afleidings aangaande medies-regsgeldige sake te maak waar beide mense en diere betrek is. Die primêre aanwending van insekte wat op ‘n misdaadtoneel versamel is, is om die Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) te bepaal. Een van die grondslag beginsels in die doeltreffende aanwending van forensiese entomologie is die noukeurige identifikasie van spesies wat op die misdaadtoneel aangetref word. Die PMIbepaling deur middel van suksessie- en ontwikkelingsdata, is afhanklik daarvan om die spesifieke spesies wat op die kadawer teenwoordig is te gebruik. Die doel van die huidige studie was om verteenwoordigers van die Diptera te identifiseer wat in staat is om aas wat begrawe is te koloniseer binne ‘n Vrystaat-graslandgebied, sowel as om die data van ondergrondse Diptera met die suksessiepatrone van bogrondse Diptera te vergelyk. Die veldeksperimente, uitgevoer om te bepaal watter spesies van Diptera in staat is om aas wat begrawe is tydens winter- en somermaande te bereik, sowel as die bepaling van die suksessiepatrone van Diptera op oorskot wat begrawe is, is uitgevoer op die westelike velde van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat-kampus in sentraal Suid-Afrika. Hierdie gebied word deur droë, gematigde winters en warmer somers, met toevallige reënvalperiodes gekenmerk. ‘n Totaal van sewe varke (Sus scrofa Linnaeus 1758) is tydens elke seisoen gebruik, wat uit een bogrondse kontrole-karkas en ses aparte karkasse begrawe op 60 cm bestaan het. Karkasse wat begrawe is, is vir voorafbepaalde periodes gelaat en dan weer opgegrawe op verskillende tye oor ‘n 120-dae proefperiode ten einde die voorkoms, kolonisering en interaksies van Diptera te monitor. Verteenwoordigers van Diptera is bevind om karkasse op 60 cm tydens beide die winter- en somerproewe te koloniseer. Hoër spesieverskeidenheid van Diptera is op die winterkarkasse wat begrawe is gevind, in, National Research Foundation (NRF), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State

Due to the ephemeral nature of carcasses they grow on, necrophagous blowfly larvae should minimize the time spent on the cadaver. This could be achieved by moving to high-temperature areas. On that basis, we theorized that larvae placed in a heterogeneous thermal environment would move to the higher temperature that speed up their development. This study was designed to (1) test the ability of necrophagous larvae to orientate in a heterogeneous thermal environment, and (2) compare the temperatures selected by the larvae of three common blowfly species: Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Calliphora vomitoria (L.) and Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy). For this purpose, we designed a setup we named Thermograde. It consists of a food-supplied linear thermal gradient that allows larvae to move, feed, and grow in close-to-real conditions, and to choose to stay at a given temperature. For each species and replication, 80 young third instars were placed on the thermal gradient. The location of larvae was observed after 19 h, with fifteen replications per species. The larvae of each species formed aggregations that were always located at the same temperatures, which were highly species-specific: 33.3 ± 1.52 °C for L. sericata, 29.6 ± 1.63 °C for C. vomitoria, and 22.4 ± 1.55 °C for C. vicina. According to the literature, these value allows a fast development of the larvae, but not to reach the maximum development rate. As control experiments clearly demonstrate that larval distribution was not due to differences in food quality, we hypothesized that the local temperature selection by larvae may result from a trade-off between development quality and duration. Indeed, temperature controls not only the development rate of the larvae, but also the quality of their growth and survival rate. Finally, results raise questions regarding the way larvae moved on the gradient and located their preferential temperature., SCOPUS: ar.j, FLWIN, info:eu-repo/semantics/published