Ultramorphological study of immature stages and male genitalia of forensically significant flesh fly Sarcophaga dux thomson, 1868 (Diptera: Sarchophagidae)

Abstract

ObjectiveSarcophaga dux Thomson is a well-known flesh fly species of medicinal and forensic importance and remain active throughout the year. Female of this fly lays first instars directly onto the carcass or on wounds of living host as it causes myiasis. Use of S. dux in forensic investigations is limited because identification of immature stages as well as adults by conventional means is very challenging. MethodsTo overcome this limitation, the adults of S. dux were collected and reared under laboratory conditions. Immature stages were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy and male genitalic characters were analyzed by light microscopy. Adults were identified on the basis of male genitalic characters whereas, immature stages like larva and pupa were identified on the basis of various taxonomic characters i.e. cephaloskeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles, appearance of spiracular cavity, papillae on the caudal segments and shape/arrangements of spines. Results and ConclusionThrough present study an effort was made for accurate identification of immatures and adults of this flesh fly species of medical and forensic importance. Illustrations presented here will help in forensic investigations in cases involving this flesh fly species.