Abstract
Simple SummaryIn the current study, we present the first record of twin-spot centurion fly larvae, Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763), feeding on a human corpse. The morphology of collected imagines and larvae of S. bipunctatus was documented, and a standard COI barcode sequence was obtained. Morphology- and DNA-based methods were used to distinguish the larvae of S. bipunctatus and its relative, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758). The potential of S. bipunctatus for practical applications in forensic entomology is currently difficult to assess.The only European Stratiomyidae species known for feeding on human corpses was the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758). Analysis of fauna found on a human corpse, discovered in central Poland, revealed the presence of feeding larvae of another species from this family: the twin-spot centurion fly Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763). The investigated corpse was in a stage of advanced decomposition. The larvae were mainly observed in the adipocere formed on the back and lower limbs of the corpse, and in the mixture of litter and lumps of adipocere located under the corpse. Adult specimens and larvae were identified based on morphological characters, and final identification was confirmed using DNA barcoding. Implementing a combination of morphological and molecular methods provided a reliable way for distinguishing the larvae of S. bipunctatus and H. illucens. The potential of S. bipunctatus for practical applications in forensic entomology is currently difficult to assess. Wide and reliable use of S. bipunctatus in the practice of forensic entomology requires further studies of the bionomy of this fly.
Highlights
The family Stratiomyidae, representing the suborder of BrachyceraOrthorrhapha, includes more than 2600 described species [1]
The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase unit I (COI) was amplified from DNA extracted from three specimens, and compared to data stored in online repositories
A list of twenty top matches was obtained with 99.82% similarity, with all sequences belonging to Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763) (BIN URI: Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD):ACI9008)
Summary
The family Stratiomyidae (soldier flies), representing the suborder of Brachycera. Orthorrhapha, includes more than 2600 described species [1]. Large stratiomyiids are often characterized by their mimicry of wasps or bees (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) Larvae of these flies are dorso-ventrally flattened, with strongly sclerotized integument. The only species of Stratiomyidae with confirmed forensic importance is the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758). This species, probably native to Central America, can currently be found in warmer regions around the world. Larvae of black soldier fly have been known to be forensically important since 1915 [7] They feed on carcasses in a phase of advanced decomposition, and are active only at temperatures exceeding 20 ◦C. Entomological material collected from a recent case from Poland indicates that H. illucens is not the only species of Stratiomyidae that can successfully develop on human corpses. This study marks the first record of larvae of this species feeding on human remains, thereby extending the list of European fly species potentially important for medico–legal purposes
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