Abstract
Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are carrion-breeding flies that are commonly used as evidence in forensic investigation. An adequate knowledge of ecological and geographical data of blow fly has a direct application in forensic science, as far as estimating time of colonization or corpse relocation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of four species of Chrysomyinae (Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya villeneuvi, and Ceylonomyia nigripes) across six land use types in central Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Eighteen study sites were selected for sampling across three districts of Chiang Mai province (Mueang Chiang Mai, Mae Rim, and Hang Dong). Adult flies were collected every two weeks using a funnel trap baited with 1-day tainted beef offal. The predicted geographic distributions of forensically important blow fly species were modeled using the computer program ArcGIS, based on selected climatic variables (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) recorded at study sites. During the study period, 1298 adult flies were collected, with peak fly occurrence during summer (April–May). Seasonal fluctuation patterns varied depending on fly species. Climatic factors displayed diverse impact on associated fly populations. Identified species were restricted mainly to mixed deciduous forests (MDF) especially in the mountainous area. None of these flies were trapped in an urban area.
Highlights
Many blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) species are carrion-breeding and have veterinary, medical, and forensic importance [1,2]
The collection sitesmaps in this these species were generated using systematic random sampling and the collection study were chosen in different broad ecological locations, our results clearly indicate these four sites in this study were chosen inforest different ecologicalareas locations, clearly indicate these species prefer mixed deciduous overbroad the residential (e.g.,our cityresults town and lowland village)
Our results further indicate only C. pinguis and C. villeneuvi were active throughout the year
Summary
Many blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) species are carrion-breeding and have veterinary, medical, and forensic importance [1,2] They play a prominent role as vectors of human as well as livestock, pathogens [1,2]. Insects 2018, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW presence and abundance of such species are useful for reconstructing crime scenes, as particular. In Thailand, the vast majority of forensic important investigations have beenspecies focusedhave on of such species are useful for reconstructing crime scenes,species as particular carrion-associated species identification [6,7,8], developmental rate of immature stage [9,10], and insect succession different environmental requirements, they colonize carcasses in different habitats [5]. In Thailand, the vast majority of forensic important investigations have beenspecies focusedhave on of such species are useful for reconstructing crime scenes,species as particular carrion-associated species identification [6,7,8], developmental rate of immature stage [9,10], and insect succession different environmental requirements, they colonize carcasses in different habitats [5]. [11,12].
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