Spatio-Temporal Influence on the Distribution of Forensically Relevant Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

Simple Summary: Research into the community composition and succession of blowflies can provide valuable insights into the timing and environmental conditions of colonization events, enhancing the accuracy of forensic analyses. Blowfly species diversity and distribution are influenced by various environmental factors such as season, habitat, and geographical location, which in turn affect their behavior and colonization patterns. The researchers surveyed blowfly populations across four distinct regions over the course of a year, examining how factors like season, habitat, and location influenced the blowfly community. The findings showed significant seasonal variations, emphasizing the impact of environmental conditions on blowfly behavior and colonization patterns. This research provides important regional data on forensically relevant blowfly species, which can help improve the accuracy of estimating the time and circumstances of death during criminal investigations. By enhancing our understanding of blowfly ecology, this work also contributes to broader scientific knowledge about decomposition processes and the role of insects in ecosystem functioning, ultimately benefiting crime scene investigations and advancing the field of forensic science. The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]