Blow Fly Larvae Research Articles

A preliminary note on attraction and oviposition preferences of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a blow fly species of forensic importance, documented to have a strong preference for colonisation of substrate already inhabited by heterospecific blow fly larvae, thus exhibiting secondary colonisation behaviour. Larvae exhibit predatory behaviour that may be useful to support development where food substrate is limited or high competition exists, but they may alternately be drawn to pre-colonised substrate to capitalise on the advantages of collective exodigestion by previous/current colonisers. Previous authors have suggested female Ch. rufifacies may use visual orientation to detect substrate currently colonised by heterospecific larvae, rather than chemoreception of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that signify condition of substrate, which would infer that active colonisation is likely a more important oviposition cue for Ch. rufifacies than substrate condition. This study addressed attraction as well as oviposition, examining whether the condition of substrate (either previously colonised or never colonised) or the presence of heterospecific larvae was more important in the initial choice of food source by female Ch. rufifacies where conspecifics were not present, and whether the condition of substrate and presence of heterospecific larvae affects the number of offspring deposited by a female. Attraction was studied using a Y-olfactometer system, and oviposition using a binary-choice assay, with females responding to pairwise choice between an array of meat conditions (fresh, larval aged or aged) and presence/absence of Lucilia sericata larvae. Females displayed a hierarchy of choice of larval aged substrate > aged substrate > fresh substrate, with the active presence of heterospecific larvae a secondary factor in choice. Females produced higher offspring numbers on meat that was either currently or previously colonised by heterospecific larvae, demonstrating the importance of heterospecific indicators of previous or current colonisation as an oviposition cue. This serves as an important consideration for entomologists working with Ch. rufifacies in any capacity where other blow fly species may be present, and most importantly for forensic entomologists where time of colonisation is utilised to estimate PMI.

Unidirectional dispersal of blow fly larvae following decomposition fluids from a pig carcass

The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The ‘larval migration stream’ had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations.

Comparative Toxicological Analyses of Traditional Matrices and Blow Fly Larvae in Four Cases of Highly Decomposed Human Cadavers.

In forensic investigation, determining the time and cause of death becomes challenging, especially in cases where the remains are found in advanced decomposition, rendering traditional toxicological samples unavailable or unreliable. Entomotoxicology, an emerging methodology within forensic science, leverages insect specimens collected from cadavers as alternative toxicological samples. Several laboratory and field research studies have highlighted the efficacy in detecting various drugs, toxins, and elements absorbed by insects feeding on cadaveric tissues, even at low concentrations. However, correlation studies between drug concentrations in conventional matrices and insects remain controversial due to unknown factors influencing drug metabolism and larval feeding activity. This paper presents four real cases in which human cadavers were discovered in advanced stages of decomposition, and toxicological analyses were performed on both insect samples and available matrices. The results presented complement the scant literature currently available on the application of entomotoxicology in real cases, providing insights into the correlation between larvae and human specimen results. Furthermore, guidelines to collect and preserve entomological evidence at the crime scene and during the autopsy for use in entomotoxicological analyses are provided. This advancement holds promise in aiding forensic investigations, particularly in cases where traditional methods cannot be applied or require supporting data for further validation.

Geometry of posterior larval spiracles to identify medically and forensically important calliphorids in Thailand

Fly identification is the primary step of analysis in forensic entomology. Although morphology and molecular techniques are considered satisfactory methods, some constraints may arise from a financial or even human point of view. Over the past decade, the geometric morphometric approach has been increasingly advocated for the classification and identification of arthropods. This study explored the method for species identification of 800 third-instar larvae of eight blow fly species of medical and forensic importance: Chrysomya chani Kurahashi, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya (Ceylonomyia) nigripes Aubertin, Chrysomya pinguis (Walker), Chrysomya (Achoetandrus) rufifacies (Macquart), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), and Lucilia porphyrina (Walker). Based on the posterior spiracles geometry, the cross-validation revealed a relatively high percentage of correct classification in most species, ranking from 86% to 100%. The results of this study confirmed that the geometric morphometric (GM) analysis of posterior spiracles might be utilized as a larva identification tool. Therefore, this GM method represents one way of overcoming difficulties with the identification of blow fly larvae and can support further studies of these flies.

Ophthalmomyiasis Case Caused by Two Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Species in North America.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the result of fly larvae feeding on the tissues of the eye. Commonly associated with poor hygiene and open wounds, this condition is rare and often stigmatized. Treatment can be straightforward, and full recovery is common. Identifying the species responsible for ophthalmomyiasis is important for the medical, forensic, and entomological communities. Here, we present a case of ophthalmomyiasis where 30-40 blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae were removed from the eye of a human male. A representative subsample of five larvae was used for taxonomic identification via two approaches (a) DNA analysis, via sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and comparison of the mtGenome and mitochondrial COI barcode region to GenBank, and (b) morphology, examination of the posterior spiracles using microscopy, and comparison to published larval descriptions of blow flies. Two species of blow flies were identified from the DNA analysis: Lucilia coeruleiviridis and Phormia regina. Morphological examination could only confirm L. coeruleiviridis as being present. To our knowledge, finding two blow fly species causing ophthalmomyiasis in a single individual has not been previously reported in the scientific literature. Neither P. regina nor L. coeruleiviridis prefers living tissue for larva development, but since they fill similar ecological niches, perhaps this was a show of competition rather than a normal feeding habit. Knowing these blow fly species can resort to this behavior, and that it can affect human populations, is valuable to the education of patients and providers.

Chrysomya chloropyga (copper-tailed blowfly) larvae reared on abattoir waste as a protein source for broiler production: carcass traits, meat quality and sensory attributes

The larvae of the copper-tailed blowfly (Chrysomya chloropyga) have the potential to break down high-risk waste such as abattoir waste and ameliorate the nutrients to be reintroduced into the food chain by including them in broiler feeds. Chrysomya chloropyga larvae were grown on abattoir waste, harvested, processed, and included in broiler diets at inclusion rates of either 5, 10 or 15%. Thereafter the carcass traits, meat quality characteristics and descriptive sensory attributes were determined. Further to this the mineral content of the tibia, as well as the tibia bone strength were determined. The highest inclusion rate of 15% resulted in broiler carcass and meat characteristics that were on par with a formulated soya-based control diet. The chemical composition of the meat was predominantly not significantly affected by the dietary larval meal inclusion (p > 0.05). In terms of its sensory attributes, meat from broilers fed C. chloropyga meal showed some significant differences for chicken aroma and initial juiciness (p ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed for any of five other sensory attributes of importance. Interestingly, the dietary inclusion of C. chloropyga meal was significantly related to increased tibia potassium and iron content, which could be linked to the insects’ accumulating these minerals present in the abattoir waste. The results indicate that C. chloropyga larval meal could be included in broiler diets at up to 15% without any negative effects on the aforementioned characteristics and could even influence them positively.

Key for the identification of third instar larvae of African blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of forensic importance in death investigations

Blowfly larvae are the insects primarily responsible for the active stage of decomposition of exposed vertebrate remains and are the most frequently collected entomological evidence during forensic investigations of death. The necrophagous calliphorids in continental Africa that consistently develop on large vertebrate carrion include 11 species belonging to four genera: Calliphora, Chrysomya, Hemipyrellia and Lucilia. Most of these species are widespread in Africa and frequently reported on large animal carcasses and carrion and human corpses. A few keys have been compiled for identification of their third instar larvae, but none of them covers the complete set of taxa. Therefore, we provide a new comprehensive key with original illustrations of all taxonomically significant characters. The key is based on characters that should be easily observable even in poorly equipped local laboratories and is a reliable taxonomic tool for material collected in either urban or rural areas where synanthropic species predominate. However, it should be used with some caution in areas with relatively pristine natural habitats, where additional carrion-breeding species may occur. The publication of the key will significantly facilitate both medical and forensic entomological research and practice in Africa.

Nutritional Properties Evaluation of Blowfly Larvae from Fish and Chicken Wastes for Asian Sea Bass Feed Formulation Application

This present research characterized the proximate nutrient, fatty acids and amino acids compositions of the wild third instar blowfly larvae collected from fish and chicken wastes as well as its mixture, in view of aquaculture feeding for Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer). Analyses of crude protein, crude lipids, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrates, amino as well as fatty acids were performed. Results revealed that the larvae that fed on the mixed substrates (chicken and fish, 50:50 ratio) had significantly the highest nutritional values (51.47 ± 0.32% of crude protein, 29.4 ± 1.47% of crude fat, 4.81 ± 0.83% of crude fiber, 4.85 ± 0.01% of ash and 12.71 ± 1.67% of carbohydrate) for formulating feeds for Asian sea bass when compared with that of chicken and fish wastes alone (P < 0.05). Similarly, significantly higher percentages of fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and amino acids (Arg, Lys, Met, Trp, His, Val, Ile, Leu and Phe) were observed in the larvae from mixed-substrates when compared with that of the remaining two substrates (P < 0.05). The findings supported the utilization of blowfly larvae harvested on mixed substrate as a possible candidate of nutrients for Asian sea bass feed formulations

Degradation dynamics of cuticular hydrocarbons of empty puparia in forensically important blow fly Lucilia sericata in soil and under room conditions: Insights and machine learning applications

Empty puparia, remnants of blow fly larvae cuticles, aid in estimating long-term post-mortem intervals. Assessing alterations in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) composition provides insights into environmental effects on their degradation, enabling age estimation methods for empty puparia found at the crime scene. The current study aimed to investigate the temporal variations of five predominant CHCs of empty puparia of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The study was conducted over six months (180 days) under controlled conditions, comparing the storage of puparia in soil and non-soil pupation medium (room conditions). The five CHCs investigated are- n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, n-heptacosane, n-octacosane, and n-nonacosane. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyze the cuticular hydrocarbons after they were extracted in hexane. The findings indicated that the degradation rate of CHCs was influenced by the surrounding environment, with more rapid degradation observed in soil conditions compared to room conditions. This suggests that soil can impact the weathering process of empty puparial cases. To predict the age of the puparial cases, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis was conducted based on the concentrations of hydrocarbons. The SVM models demonstrated promising performance in age prediction, exhibiting high R-squared values and low prediction errors. By highlighting the influence of environmental factors on CHC degradation and demonstrating the efficacy of SVM models in age prediction, this study lays the groundwork for further exploration and development of CHCs as valuable tools in forensic and ecological research.

Efficacy of Insect Feed as Protein Source in Aqua Feed and its Impact on Growth Performance of Fish

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of using insect-based fish feed on the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp). A meal in powder form was produced using the larvae of blowflies. The mixture contained either 20% or 40% larvae, combined with conventional ingredients. The fish fingerlings were divided into three groups and fed with this formulated feed for 10 weeks, while ensuring that the physio-chemical parameters were within the optimum range. Various growth parameters such as mortality rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), length, and weight were measured. The results showed that fish diet based on insects greatly accelerated growth, with the group fed with 40% maggot meal growing to the largest size and length. Similarly, the group fed with 20% maggot meal also demonstrated an increased growth rate. Whereas, FCR was the highest in the group fed with 40% maggot meal. Additionally, the groups fed with maggot meal had a lower mortality rate. This study investigated the use of prepared aquatic feeds containing meals from five different insect species. It was concluded that although insect-based diets show promise as an alternative to inexpensive and unappetizing fish meal, further experimentation with different compositions of insect-based diets is needed in order to achieve optimal results. It is likely that the extensive raising and processing of insects for use as a component of fish feed would benefit aquaculture’s viability and profitability in the years to come.

Establishment of a multiplex PCR-CE assay for the simultaneous and rapid analysis of age markers for Calliphora vicina pupae.

Insects, especially blow flies, are forensically relevant to determine the minimal postmortem interval (PMImin), based on the fact that they are usually the first colonisers of a body. By estimating the age of immature blow flies, interferences can be made about the time since death. Whilst morphological parameters are valuable for age estimation of blow fly larvae, gene expression profiling is more applicable for blow fly pupae. Here, the age-dependent changes in the gene expression levels during the development are analysed. 28 temperature-independent markers have already been described for the age estimation of pupae of the forensically important blow fly Calliphora vicina and are analysed by RT-qPCR. To allow simultaneous analysis of these age markers, a multiplex assay was developed in the present study. After reverse transcription, the markers are analysed simultaneously in an endpoint PCR and subsequently separated by capillary electrophoresis (CE). This method is highly attractive due to its quick and easy procedure and interpretation. The present age prediction tool was adapted and validated. The multiplex PCR assay reproduced the same expression profiles as the RT-qPCR assay based on the same markers. The statistical evaluation shows that the new assay has a lower precision but a better trueness for age determination compared to the RT-qPCR assay. Since the new assay is also qualified to estimate the age of C. vicina pupae and is practical, cost-effective and, even more importantly, time-saving, it is attractive for use in forensic casework.

Effect of geranyl acetate on the third instar larvae of latrine blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera : Calliphoridae)

Effect of geranyl acetate on the third instar larvae of latrine blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera : Calliphoridae)

RNA Taste Is Conserved in Dipteran Insects

BackgroundRibonucleosides and RNA are an underappreciated nutrient group essential during Drosophila larval development and growth. Detection of these nutrients requires at least one of the 6 closely related taste receptors encoded by the Gr28 genes, one of the most conserved insect taste receptor subfamilies. ObjectivesWe investigated whether blow fly larvae and mosquito larvae, which shared the last ancestor with Drosophila about 65 and 260 million years ago, respectively, can taste RNA and ribose. We also tested whether the Gr28 homologous genes of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae can sense these nutrients when expressed in transgenic Drosophila larvae. MethodsTaste preference in blow flies was examined by adapting a 2-choice preference assay that has been well-established for Drosophila larvae. For the mosquito Aedes aegypti, we developed a new 2-choice preference assay that accommodates the aquatic environment of these insect larvae. Finally, we identified Gr28 homologs in these species and expressed them in Drosophila melanogaster to determine their potential function as RNA receptors. ResultsLarvae of the blow fly Cochliomyia macellaria and Lucilia cuprina are strongly attracted to RNA (0.5 mg/mL) in the 2-choice feeding assays (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mosquito Aedes aegypti larvae showed a strong preference for RNA (2.5 mg/mL) in an aquatic 2-choice feeding assay. Moreover, when Gr28 homologs of Aedes or Anopheles mosquitoes are expressed in appetitive taste neurons of Drosophila melanogaster larvae lacking their Gr28 genes, preference for RNA (0.5 mg/mL) and ribose (0.1 M) is rescued (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe appetitive taste for RNA and ribonucleosides in insects emerged about 260 million years ago, the time mosquitoes and fruit flies diverged from their last common ancestor. Like sugar receptors, receptors for RNA have been highly conserved during insect evolution, suggesting that RNA is a critical nutrient for fast-growing insect larvae.

Experimental ectoparasite removal has a sex-specific effect on nestling telomere length.

Parasites are a strong selective force that can influence fitness-related traits. The length of chromosome-capping telomeres can be used to assess the long-term costs of parasitism, as telomere loss accelerates in response to environmental stressors and often precedes poorer survival prospects. Here, we explored the sex-specific effects of ectoparasite removal on morphology and telomere length in nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). To do so, we experimentally removed blow fly (Protocalliphora spp.) larvae from nests using Permethrin, a broad-spectrum insecticide. Compared to water-treated controls, insecticide treatment of nests had a sex-biased effect on blood telomere length: ectoparasite removal resulted in significantly longer telomeres in males but not females. While this treatment did not influence nestling body mass, it was associated with reduced feather development regardless of sex. This may reflect a relaxed pressure to fledge quickly in the absence of parasites, or alternatively, could be a negative side effect of permethrin on morphology. Exploring robust sex-specific telomere dynamics in response to early-life environmental pressures such as parasitism will shed light on sexual dimorphism in adult life histories and aging.

Anoxia Tolerance in Four Forensically Important Calliphorid Species

Forensically important blow flies, Diptera: Calliphoridae, are among the first organisms to colonize carrion. After eggs hatch, the larvae of most blow fly species feed in an aggregation or “mass”. While in this mass larvae may experience periods of hypoxia/anoxia, but the tolerance of blow fly larvae to anoxic conditions is poorly studied. We tested the anoxia tolerance of four species of calliphorids (Calliphora vicina, Cochliomyia macellaria, Lucilia sericata, and Phormia regina), by examining actively feeding third-stage larvae across five temperatures. Experiments were conducted by exposing larvae to pure nitrogen environments and determining mortality at set time intervals. All species show significant linear relationships between survival time and temperature under anoxic conditions. Of species tested, C. macellaria had the greatest tolerance to anoxia (LT50 of 9 h at 20 °C). In contrast, C. vicina was the least tolerant (LT50 of 2.2 h at 40 °C). With all species, survivorship decreased with increasing temperature. Unlike many other insects tested in severe hypoxia, the larvae of the calliphorids tested, which included members of three subfamilies, were not tolerant of anoxic conditions. From these findings, it seems likely that hypoxia is a significant limitation for maggots in a maggot mass, particularly when the mass temperature is high (&gt;40 °C). Forensically, these data provide a limit on potential maggot survival on bodies that have been submerged or otherwise experience severe hypoxia before discovery.

Maggot debridement therapy and innovation from myiasis - A review

Maggot debridement therapy is the introduction of live and disinfected fly larvae in a wound in order to aid cleaning and healing. This technique was discovered as a beneficial effect of colonization of human tissue by fly larvae (myiasis). This discovery was made during the World War I when it was observed that injured soldiers whose wounds were infested with maggots healed faster than their counterparts whose wounds were free from maggots. In this therapy, the larvae of Blow fly (Lucilia sericata) are used because they feed exclusively on dead tissues. There are two different ways through which these maggots are applied into the wound, namely, free range dressing and biobag dressing. The mechanism of action of the maggots during debridement involves secretion of digestive enzymes which breakdown the dead tissues, liquidizing it before ingesting the liquefied contents of the wound. They also secrete antimicrobials which inhibit microbial growth in the wound, thereby disinfecting it. This therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of leg ulcers, deep and diabetic wounds in humans. The advantages of maggot debridement therapy are enormous. The cost of using it is relatively low, it quickens healing of wounds, and it is painless. However, the patient may experience irritation and itching at the wound site which is associated with larval movement in the wound. The adoption of this therapeutic wound management is advocated as practical evidence show that it has proven effective in the management of diabetic wounds more than conventional medical practices.

Synomones in necrophagous larvae of the blow flies Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vomitoria.

Chemical signals are widespread in insects, but those resulting in interspecific communication (i.e., synomones) remain understudied. Here, we analysed chemicals left on substrates by two species of blow fly larvae, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Calliphora vomitoria (Linneaus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which can aggregate together on carrion. Using solid-phase microextraction and dynamic headspace analysis, we identified six compounds common to both species: the decanoic, tetradecanoic, pentadecanoic, hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids, and the 2-ethylhexyl salicylate. We then tested the behavioural effects of the decanoic and pentadecanoic acids using binary-choice experiments, along with the (Z)-9-tricosene, a pheromone found in many arthropods. The time spent by a larva and its average crawling speed were measured in two sides of an arena, where only one contained a compound at 0.25 or 25 μg/μl. No effect was observed when testing the decanoic acid. The pentadecanoic acid only reduced the speed of C.vomitoria larvae at 25 μg/μl. Finally, L.sericata larvae spent less time in the side containing the (Z)-9-tricosene at 0.25 μg/μl, whereas C.vomitoria spent more time and crawled faster in this side at 25 μg/μl. Although these results did not directly evidence synomones, they suggest that the (Z)-9-tricosene could regulate larval aggregations on carrion.

Not by the Book: Observations of Delayed Oviposition and Re-Colonization of Human Remains by Blow Flies.

Simple SummaryAtypical blow fly colonization is rarely documented in the forensic entomology literature. We demonstrate one case of an exaggerated delay in blow fly colonization and two cases of blow fly re-colonization after cessation of the consumption phase on human remains at the Anthropology Research Facility (University of Tennessee). We recommend interdisciplinary collaboration to better interpret evidence encountered from scenarios comparable to these examples.Postmortem interval estimations can be complicated by the inter-individual variation present in human decomposition. Forensic entomologists may especially face challenges interpreting arthropod evidence in scenarios that are not “by the book”, or that vary in unexpected ways. Therefore, it is important to report instances where blow fly colonization does not align with expected soft tissue decomposition as blow fly larvae are often used to produce a time of colonization (TOC) estimation to infer a minimum PMI. We followed the decomposition and blow fly activity of three human donors at the Anthropology Research Facility (University of Tennessee). Delayed oviposition occurred on one donor 115 d post-placement, whereas two donors experienced blow fly re-colonization after cessation of the consumption phase, one 22 d and one more than 200 d after blow fly larvae were last observed. A null hypothesis model tested whether the entomological TOC and anthropological total body score (TBS) estimations encompassed the time of placement (TOP) for each donor. While the null hypothesis was rejected for all TOC estimations, it could not be rejected for the TBS estimations. We discuss how the non-linear nature of human decomposition can pose challenges to interpreting blow fly evidence and suggest that forensic entomology practitioners should recognize these limitations in both research endeavors and applied casework.

Interactive Key for Third Instar Larvae of Neotropical Blow Flies (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae): the Contribution of Computational Tools to Assist in Species Identification.

Calliphoridae (Insecta, Diptera), popularly known as blow flies or carrion flies, as most are necrophagous comprises one of the most relevant families of insects on forensics. Currently, more than 1500 blow fly species are known, the majority of which can be found in the Old World. In the Neotropics, it is estimated that there are approximately 20 species of forensic importance. In view of the taxonomic impediment associated with the identification of immatures, in this study, we present an interactive identification key for third instar larvae of necrophagous Calliphoridae species. This key includes 12 Neotropical blow fly species of forensic importance, more than 70 pictures, schemes, and definitions glossary and is free to access.

Developmental niche construction in necrophagous larval societies: Feeding facilitation can offset the costs of low ambient temperature

Abstract This study explored the trade‐offs between thermal regulation and aggregation, two key factors impacting blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae development. Recent works have demonstrated that necrophagous maggots engage in developmental niche construction, which provides adaptive benefits. First, each species has a preferential temperature, at which larvae grow fast and efficiently. Second, larvae are attracted by each other and aggregate in large maggot masses. These groups modify the local environment and facilitate the exodigestion process (niche construction by perturbation). However, aggregation and relocation towards thermal preferendum are not always compatible under field conditions, forcing larvae to make choices. To test the developmental consequences of such trade‐offs, 40 or 80 Lucilia sericata larvae were placed on a thermal gradient (from 22 to 48°C) with or without a captive aggregate of 40 larvae located at 22°C, and their development speed, size and survival were measured. A previous study showed that in such situation the free larvae alone relocated at 33°C, while in the presence of captive larvae they gathered with the captive group at 22°C. In the present developmental study, we observed that such 22°C aggregated larvae actually grew as fast as if they were at 33°C. This result shows that niche construction, here resulting from larval gregarism and feeding facilitation, can compensate for the physiological costs of low ambient temperature. This finding confirms that aggregation of necrophagous Diptera larvae is an efficient adaptation to the carrion environmental constraints and highlights the adaptive value of developmental niche construction.