A Longevity Comparison in Necrophagous Male Flies (Diptera:Calliphoridae) (Fabricus)

Authors

  • Jakalynne Diahn Gosnell Texas A&M University

Abstract

Abstract: Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are a family of much importance to the fields of forensic and medical entomology. Blowflies can find decomposing flesh within minutes and are an important species used by forensic entomologists in determining a post-mortem interval (PMI). PMI may be used to estimate a time of death for a given individual and is a very common practice in the field of forensics. This study measured the differences in longevity between adult male Chrysoma rufifacies and Cochliomyia macellaria flies. Maggots were reared in a laboratory in order to properly measure their lifespan. A t-test was done to determine a p-value for the given data. It was found that C. macellaria adult male flies (M=27.7931; SD= 10.962) experience a greater longevity than Ch. rufifacies adult male flies (M=21; SD=12.8027). This information can be applicable in determining post-mortem intervals in future forensic entomology cases and for use in secondary myiasis in medical settings.

 

Keywords: Cochliomyia macellaria, Chrysoma rufifaces, forensic entomology, Calliphoridae longevity, post-mortem interval (PMI)

References

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Published

2017-06-12