Abstract
This study compares effects of cypermethrin (a pyrethroid pesticide) and tramadol hydrochloride (an opioid) on the development of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared on intoxicated rabbits ( Orctylagus cunicunus ) carrions (injected intra-veinously with 4ml of the toxins, being a dosage always witnessed in drug abusive cases. The larvae body lengths were measured with a pair of compass and a transparent meter rule while the body weights were measured with Mettler Toledo weighing balance with sensitivity of 0.000 -1g. The mean maximum length and weight (Mean±SD): cypermethrin (06.77±0.03mm and 0.0056±0.0001g), tramadol (14.02±0.12 mm and 0.0123±0.0002g), and the control (10.50± 0.16mm and 0.0095±0.0001g) were reached at 96 hours after eggs were laid. However, the mean total developmental (from egg to adult C. albiceps ) period was highest at 380.28±1.35hrs (15.8 days), 330.05±1.50 hours (13.8 days) and 281.2±1.20 hours (11.7 days) respectively for cypermethrin, tramadol hydrochloride and controlled groups. The results showed Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation errors of about 4 and 2 days respectively, when cypermethrin (pesticide) and tramadol hydrochloride (opioid) toxins used are compared with the control group of C. albiceps . Therefore, caution is required in the interpretation and application of insects’ data in forensic entomology when drugs and toxins are the suspected cause of death .
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