Abstract
Identification of many forensically important insects has been achieved using morphological keys with only a few relying on molecular techniques. Yet, information regarding the molecular identification of Dipteran flies from sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. Therefore, this study used the COI gene to analyze fly specimens collected from decomposing pig (Sus scrofa) carcasses in Iwo South-Western Nigeria. Several batches of eggs from carcasses were reared to adults and preserved in 75% ethanol for subsequent identification using molecular techniques in triplicate. A total of 450 bp sequences was obtained from BLAST analysis of the samples from the population, which has led to the identification of four families consisting of five species with the following breakdown: Sarcophaga africa (95.4%), Chrysomya putoria (99.1%), Chrysomya inclinata (98.3%), Tricogena rubricosa (89.6%), and Chirosia flavipennis (88.8%). The phylogenetic analysis identified Chrysomya chloropyga (AY139694) as the same as C. putoria and S. africa as the same as Sarcophaga cruentata, suggesting them as sister species. This study concluded that T. rubricosa and C. flavipennis are implicated in carrion decomposition, which provides crucial insights for forensic investigations
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
