Temperature requirements for the growth of immature stages of blowflies species, Chrysomya albiceps and Calliphora vicina, (Diptera:Calliphoridae) under laboratory conditions

Mojtaba Salimi,Mohamadali Oshaghi,Mojtaba Limoee,Sayena Rafizadeh,Omid Chatrabgoun,Yavar Rassi

doi:10.1186/s41935-018-0060-z

Abstract

BackgroundIn forensic entomology, a way to estimate Post Mortem Interval (PMI) is to use development data of the first colonizing insects on a dead body. Chrysomya albiceps and Calliphora vicina, two members of the family Calliphoridae, are the first waves of necrophagous insects that are the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death. Regarding the bioclimatic, environmental conditions and difference in geographic population, it seems necessary to collect data about the forensically important species in each region. In this research, the growth rate of immature stages of C.albiceps and C.vicina was studied in controlled laboratory conditions.ResultsThe results of this study showed that with increasing temperature, the duration of development was reduced. The highest period of development, for both species, is related to pupae stage and involves about half of the entire development period. The amount of Accumulated Degree Days (ADD) for the egg stage to mature of the species C.vicina, at two temperatures of 15°C and 20°C, are calculated as 416 and 396 DD, respectively.ConclusionThis study showed, temperature had significant effects on rate of the development on Chrysomya albiceps and Calliphora vicina and the amount of heat energy needed to development for these species is specific. Actually, the relationship between the development rate and temperature was significant and dependent to species and geographical regions.

Highlights

In forensic entomology, a way to estimate Post Mortem Interval (PMI) is to use development data of the first colonizing insects on a dead body
The most important insects in the forensic entomology that are attracted to the corpse immediately after death are two families of flies known as Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Al-Mesbah et al, 2011; Al-Shareef & AlQurashi, 2016)
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae which is considered as a eusynanthropic species with endophilic tendencies and it is mostly seen during the cold months (Fig. 1) (Faucherre et al, 1999)

Summary

Introduction

In forensic entomology, a way to estimate Post Mortem Interval (PMI) is to use development data of the first colonizing insects on a dead body. Chrysomya albiceps is mostly found in temperate and subtropical regions during the hot months of the year and temperature plays a key role in determining the variation of its dispersion (Fig. 1) (Al-Shareef & Al-Qurashi, 2016; Smith, 1986; Tabor et al, 2004; Grassberger et al, 2003). This species is reported to be seen in afro-tropical, oriental, south central America and southern Europe and the areas located at altitudes of 1300–3100 m above sea level (Queiroz, 1996; Szpila et al, 2008). This species is considered as the first and only colonizer on the corpse, especially during the cold months of the year (Bharti, 2009)

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