Species Of Sarcophaga Research Articles

Geometric morphometrics analysis of forensically important Sarcophaga species

Abstract Geometric morphometrics is a method that offers a mathematical description of biological forms based on geometric definitions of their size and shape, enabling the discrimination between species. In this study, we aimed to utilize geometric morphometrics as a valuable tool for identifying Sarcophagidae species, a family of flies that are challenging to distinguish morphologically. We collected a total of 80 wings (both left and right) from male individuals representing nine species (Sarcophaga africa, S. argyrostoma, S. hirticrus, S. jacobsoni, S. lehmanni, S. melanura, S. pandellei, S. portschinskyi, and S. teretirostris). These wings were removed, mounted on microscope slides, photographed, and digitized using 15 landmarks. The results demonstrated effective differentiation among seven species, representing significant progress in the expedited identification of Sarcophaga species. Due to its speed, affordability, and user-friendly nature, the wing landmark-based geometric morphometrics, when combined with taxonomy, can enhance the robustness of Sarcophagidae analyses and prove useful for discriminating flesh flies in forensic contexts.

A review of morphological characters for the identification of three common European species of Sarcophaga s. str. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), with an emphasis on female terminalia

The subgenus Sarcophaga Meigen, 1824 (s.str.) currently comprises over 30species distributed in the West Palearctic Region, the identification of which is normally based on characters of the male terminalia. Females of the three closely-related species Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) carnaria (Linnaeus, 1758), S.(S.)subvicina Rohdendorf, 1937 and S.(S.)variegata (Scopoli, 1763), which are especially widespread and abundant in NWEurope, are considered morphologically indistinguishable by most authors. However, afew authors have proposed keys to separate females of these three species based on external and internal characters of the terminalia. Following apreliminary molecular identification using DNA barcode sequences (COI, cytochromec oxidase subunitI), we herein revise the morphological characters used to differentiate female S.carnaria, S.subvicina and S.variegata in existing identification keys as well as search for additional diagnostic characters. Our results suggest that only one previously-proposed female character, namely the length to width ratio of abdominal sternite7, can be used to separate S.subvicina from the other two species (Mann-Whitney U test: p<0.0001), at least in amajority of cases. Other characters, such as the degree of sclerotisation and setation of tergite8, show ahigh degree of overlap that does not allow to reliably separate females of these three species. Nevertheless, we propose acombination of characters that should allow the separation of female S.carnaria from female S.variegata in most cases. An additional analysis of males of the same species showed that the distribution of pruinosity and setation on syntergosternite7+8, acharacter mentioned in apreviously-published key, is also not reliable for identification.

Myiasis with Larvae of Sarcophaga Species in a Diabetic Foot with Gangrene in Korea: A Case Report

Myiasis with Larvae of Sarcophaga Species in a Diabetic Foot with Gangrene in Korea: A Case Report

Distinct pattern of restriction endonuclease digestion on the heterochromatic components of Sarcophagid flies: An evidence of species-specific divergence of heterochromatin

Heterochromatin in the genome plays a vital role in species differentiation and evolution. To characterize and unravel molecular composition of the heterochromatic regions of the genome in dipteran flies, especially in Sarcophagids, different banding techniques have been used previously which established the banding pattern of constitutive heterochromatin. The present study is an attempt to further explore the base specificity of rather highly condensed C-banded regions of chromosomes using restriction enzyme (RE) digestion along with Giemsa staining, in search of species-specific targets of RE digestion. Different REs such as Apa I, Cla I, Eco RI, Hind III, Hae III and Pvu II have been used to characterize the heterochromatic regions of two Sarcophaga species, i.e., Sarcophaga ruficornis and Sarcophaga argyrostoma. Some of the constitutively heterochromatic regions remain intensely stained indicating no targets for the enzyme cleavage, while some of the heterochromatic areas in both the species show remarkable and distinct digestion sites after the treatment of REs. In S. ruficornis, Hind III digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions and the sex chromosome; while Hae III and Pvu II selectively digest autosomes and sex chromosome. While in S. argyrostoma, Cla I digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions; Hind III and Hae III selectively digests autosomes and sex chromosomes. These findings suggest the presence of distinctive enzyme digestion targets on the heterochromatin, which may provide important evidence for the differential base specificity that were previously found to be constitutive in nature.

Molecular Species Identification of Six Forensically Important Iranian Flesh Flies (Diptera).

Background:Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are considered as myiasis agents and important evidences in forensic investigations. However, their use has been restricted because, at all larval stages and female adults, morphological species identification is difficult or very challenging. This study investigated to test utility of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mt-COI) sequences for differentiation of six forensically important Iranian flesh flies namely, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, S. flagellifera, S. hirtipes, S. aegyptica, S. africa and S. argyrostoma.Methods:Male specimens were morphologically identified to species level and then the genomic DNA of the flies were extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against mt-COI gene. The PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were analyzed for the species specific restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs).Results:Rate of genetic variation between species was 6–10% which was enough to find restriction enzymes (RE) that were able to produce species-specific RFLP profiles. Combinations of three REs: BsrFI, RsaI and HinfI, provided diagnostic bands for identification of the six Sarcophaga species.Conclusion:The results of this study showed that molecular markers such as RFLPs enhancing the use of evidence from flesh flies in forensic investigation. However, lack proper restriction sites in the COI region inhibited introduction of a single restriction enzyme for easy species identification. It is recommended to apply larger part of DNA such as combination of COI and COII genes to provide better RFLP markers for species identification of flesh flies.

Intestinal Myiasis by Larvae of Sarcophaga Species: A Case Report and Morphological Studies

Intestinal myiasis is a clinical condition when the fly larvae inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and are excreted in feces. A 26-year-old young male visited the outpatient clinic of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Nepal, with symptoms of loose stool, bloating of abdomen, abdominal discomfort, intestinal hurry following meals, and passage of live wriggling maggots in the stool. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of multiple specimens of stool and the developmental stages of the insect were studied in vitro to establish the identity. Maggots obtained from his stool were identified to be Sarcophaga species, and the case was diagnosed as intestinal myiasis. Accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoid ineffective treatment.

Revelation of heterochromatin heterogeneity in Sarcophagid chromosomes using DNA ligand Mithramycin

The flesh-flies of the genus Sarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are prevalent world-wide, have great medical and veterinary importance forming an important group of myiasis producers. The diploid chromosome complements of the genus Sarcophaga comprise of five homologous pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes (XX in females and XY in males). Heterochromatin of Sarcophaga species has been studied and characterized. The modification of permanently condensed patterns of chromosomes of the two Sarcophaga species, Sarcophaga argyrostoma and Sarcophaga ruficornis, by means of a GC specific DNA ligand Mithramycin (0.05μg/ml) proved to be useful for the analysis of heterochromatic regions of the chromosomes after DAPI staining. The pericentric regions of all the autosomes revealed fluorescent bands in both the species while both the X- and Y- chromosomes revealed differential staining due to differences in base sequence organization in these areas. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out in...

Micromorphology of immature stages of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) cultellata Pandellé, 1896 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a forensically important fly.

The Sarcophagidae are one of the most numerous groups of Diptera in the world, consisting of many species of forensic interest, whose immature stages are useful in the estimation of postmortem interval. The immature stages of some species of forensic importance still remain unknown or undescribed, like in the case of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) cultellata Pandellé, 1986, a species restricted to the Iberian Peninsula, south of France and north of Italy, which shares a ecological niche with species of the same subgenus, e.g., Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) and Sarcophaga (Liopygia) crassipalpis Macquart, 1839, making it necessary to lay the groundwork for a proper specific differentiation before it can be successfully applied in forensic practice. This study provides the first micromorphological description of all preimaginal stages of S. (L.) cultellata using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the results of which allow the morphology of the main features to be followed during the immature life cycle. We propose a combination of features for distinguishing Liopygia from other sarcophagid subgenera, based on the current level of morphological knowledge of immature stages. S. (L.) cultellata can be differentiated from S. (L.) argyrostoma and S. (L.) crassipalpis in every immature stage by both light microscopy and SEM. The presence of tegumental warts and a fan-shaped anterior spiracle with a single row of 15-18 respiratory papillae allow distinguishing the third instar larvae of S. (L.) cultellata from other Sarcophaga species described hitherto by SEM. Identification keys based on light microscopy observations are provided, covering all the immature stages of Liopygia subgenus occurring in the Iberian Peninsula.

A key to the Australian Sarcophagidae (Diptera) with special emphasis on &lt;i&gt;Sarcophaga&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;sensu lato&lt;/i&gt;)

The Australian Sarcophagidae (Diptera) currently comprise 84 species, classified into ten genera from the subfamilies Miltogramminae and Sarcophaginae. A key is provided to the Australian sarcophagids, allowing for separation into sub-families and genera, along with the identification of all species of Sarcophaga (sensu lato). A comprehensive database of illustrations and photographs of male terminalia, as well as updated biological information, is given for each species of Sarcophaga s.l.

First case report of human myiasis with Sarcophaga species in Makkah city in the wound of a diabetic patient

We have reported a case of a 40-year-old male diabetic patient, resident of a rural area, who visited the outpatient clinic of the diabetic center in Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He came to seek medical advice for a single wound in the back of the shoulder since 1 month. After examination, a larva was eliminated and sent to laboratory for confirmation. It was confirmed as the third-stage larva of Sarcophaga species after macroscopic and microscopic examination. This is the first case of a patient having diabetic wound myiasis with the larva of Sarcophaga species reported in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia.

Identification of forensically important Sarcophaga species (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) using the mitochondrial COI gene

The identification of species of the forensically important genus Sarcophaga is very difficult and requires strong taxonomic expertise. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of 126 specimens of 56W European Sarcophaga species and added GenBank data to our database to yield a total dataset of 270 COI sequences from 99 Sarcophaga species to evaluate the COI gene as a molecular diagnostic tool for species identification in this genus. Using two simple criteria (Best Match, BM and Best Close Match, BCM), we showed that the identification success using a mini-barcode region of 127bp was very low (80.7-82.5%) and the use of this region is not recommended as a species identifier. In contrast, identification success was very high using the standard barcode region (658bp) or using the entire COI region (1,535bp) (98.2-99.3%). Yet, there was a low interspecific sequence divergence (<2%) in six species groups so that for 16 out of the 99 species (nine of which are of forensic importance), the use of COI barcodes as species identifier should be done with care. For these species, additional markers will be necessary to achieve a 100% identification success. We further illustrate how such reference databases can improve local reference databases for forensic entomologists.

Gastrointestinal Myiasis by Larvae ofSarcophagasp. andOestrussp. in Egypt: Report of Cases, and Endoscopical and Morphological Studies

Four cases of gastric or intestinal myiasis are reported. The cases contain 2 males (1 child 10 years old, and 1 adult 40 years old) and 2 females (1 girl 18 years old, and 1 adult 50 years old) from Minia Governorate, Southern Egypt. Three of them, including cases no. 1, 3, and 4, were gastric myiasis, and complained of offensive hematemesis of bright red blood. Minute moving worms, larvae of the fly, were found in the vomitus. On the other hand, case no. 2 had intestinal myiasis, and complained of abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The stool of case 2 was mixed with blood, and minute moving worms were observed in the stool. Endoscopy was performed to explore any pathological changes in the stomach of the patients. The larvae were collected and studied macroscopically, microscopically, and us-ing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify their species. Three different types of larvae were identified. The larvae isolated from case 1 were diagnosed as the second stage larvae of Sarcophaga species, and the larvae isolated from case 2 were the third stage larvae of Sarcophaga species. On the other hand, the larvae isolated from cases 3 and 4 were diagnosed as the third stage larvae of Oestrus species.

A review of the Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) of Sardinia

An account is given of the species of Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826 subgenus Heteronychia Brauer &amp; Bergenstamm, 1889 known from the island of Sardinia (Italy). Most of the nearly 1,400 specimens examined were collected in the SW part of the island during 2003–2006 as part of a project investigating the arthropod diversity of the Monti Marganai and Montimannu areas (respectively Carbonia-Iglesias and Medio Campidano provinces). The study resulted in the finding of eight species of Heteronychia, six of which are recorded from Sardinia for the first time. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) penicillata Villeneuve, 1907, previously mentioned in the literature, is excluded from the fauna of the island. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) thirionae (Lehrer, 1976) is recorded for the first time from Europe and North Africa (Algeria). One species, Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) gabrielei sp. nov., from various sites in the limestone massif of Marganai, is described as new. Previously unpublished records from other Italian regions and from other countries (Algeria, Canary Islands, Greece) are also given for several species. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) schnabli Villeneuve, 1911 is recognized as a junior synonym of S. (H.) consanguinea Rondani, 1860 syn. nov. The possible synanthropy of Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) pandellei (Rohdendorf, 1937) is briefly discussed. A key to males and females of all known Sardinian and Corsican species of Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) is provided.

A novel lectin with highly potent antiproliferative and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities from cicada (Cicada flammata)

A dimeric lectin with a molecular weight of 60 kDa and high hemagglutinating activity was isolated from dried cicadas. It was adsorbed on Q-Sepharose and unadsorbed on Affi-Gel Blue gel. Its hemagglutinating activity was stable up to 55 degrees C and between pH 2 and 13. The activity was inhibited by glucuronic acid and raffinose, K(+) ions, and Mg(2+) ions. Cicada lectin potently inhibited proliferation of HepG2 hepatoma and MCF 7 breast cancer cells, with an IC(50) value of 0.76 and 0.49 microM, respectively. It potently inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity with an IC(50) of 0.36 microM but was devoid of mitogenic activity on spleen cells. Its N-terminal sequence exhibited slight similarity to a conserved hypothetical protein from Culex quinquefasciatus and a gene product from transcript GH19834-RA of Drosophila grimshawi, but there was no resemblance to lectins from other insects, including Drosophila, Sarcophaga, Glossina, and Aedes species.

Some notes on the nocturnal larviposition by two species of Sarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Experiments in the month of September 2005 were performed to study nocturnal larviposition by the flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Two species namely Sarcophaga albiceps Meigen and Sarcophaga hirtipes Wiedemann were observed to deposit their larvae during night time as well. Therefore, possibility of night larviposition by flesh flies should always be taken into consideration while determining age of maggots.

Insect pests of rain-fed upland rice and their natural enemies in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

The insect fauna of rain-fed rice, Oryza sativa, was assessed using the sweep net and direct count methods. The objective of the study was to provide basic information on the insect pest complex of rice in the area and their natural enemies. One hundred and five insect species belonging to nine orders and 57 families were found. The insect orders in order of abundance were Diptera (45.67%), Coleoptera (12.77%), Lepidoptera (12.23%), Orthoptera (8.44%), Heteroptera (8.23%), Homoptera (7.03%), Hymenoptera (3.25%), Dermaptera (1.95%) and Dictyoptera (0.43%). Diopsis thoracica Westwood (Diopsidae) (69.43%) was the most abundant dipteran followed by the sarcophagids (14.93%) and calliphorids (7.11%). Members of the family Chrysomelidae represented 50% of the coleopterans followed by the coccinellids (17.46%). While 31% of the lepidopterans were noctuids, 60% were pyralids. The pentatomids (50.57%) were the most abundant heteropterans while the acridids (43%) were the most prevalent orthopterans. The homopterans were mainly Cofana unimaculata Signoret (which represented 79%). The insects were clustered into three groups with D. thoracica alone in group 1, C. unimaculata and Sarcophaga species in group 2 and the rest in group 3. We therefore conclude that D. thoracica is the most important pest of rice in Ekpoma while C. unimaculata may also be very important, but Sarcophaga species appears to be the most important natural enemy in the system.

Frecuencia y distribución temporal de moscas cadavéricas (Diptera) en la ciudad de Buenos Aires

Frequency and temporal distribution of cadaveric flies (Diptera) in the city of Buenos Aires. Forensic entomology is used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) by determination of the species of insects found on a corpse and their stage of development. The later varies according to environtmental conditions; in temperate climates the occurrence of each species varies seasonally. The Order Diptera is the most important in the early stages of decomposition. Only fragmentary data on temporal distibution in Buenos Aires have been published, and these were only based on trapping and rearing. This paper is based on records of forensic ntomology expertises performed in the year period 1995-2005. The occurrences of Calliphora vicina, e Phaenicia sericata, Cochliomyia macellaria and Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga spp (Sarcophagidae), Hydrotaea argentina and Muscina stabulans (Muscidae) and Megaselia scalaris (Phoridae), indoors and outdoors, is recorded. The predominance of C. vicina from autumn to spring and of P. sericata in summer is confirmed. The autochthonous C. macellaria was recorded the whole year, with a peak in the summer months; it proved rare outdoors. A species which may function as primary or secondary is C. albiceps; it is active in summer and early autumn. The species of Sarcophaga are active mainly in summer but they appear along the rest f the year associated with advanced decomposition. No marked seasonal variation was shown by H. argentina, M. stabulans, and M. scalaris.

Comparative morphology of early stages of two Mediterranean Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826 (Diptera; Sarcophagidae) and a review of the feeding habits of Palaearctic species

The third instar larva of Sarcophaga hirticrus Pandellé, 1896 and Sarcophaga javita (Peris, González-Mora and Mingo, 1998) are described and figured for the first. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been demonstrated as an effective tool for determining differences at the specific level, and is here applied. The two species are distinguished from other Sarcophaga spp. and the principal diagnostic character states are illustrated and discussed. Comparative information on immature stages morphology of the described Palaearctic Sarcophaga species and its feeding habits are compiled and provided in a tabulated form.

Flowers, faeces and cadavers: natural feeding and laying habits of flesh flies in Thailand (Diptera: Sarcophagidae, Sarcophaga spp.)

Baiting and flower watching mainly in forest habitats throughout Thailand (1997–2002) yielded 46 species of Sarcophaga Meigen. About 50% of the species are new to Thailand and several new to science. All 67 species of Sarcophaga so far reported from Thailand are listed and their taxonomic status and nomenclature updated. Emphasis on rearing (523 broods) ensured species identification through the male progeny of the otherwise mostly unidentifiable females, and allowed several new correct male–female associations, besides offering new insights into the flies' breeding strategies. Three natural larviposition habits were observed in the wild: (1) on faeces of carnivorous and omnivorous, but not herbivorous, mammals (coprobiodotic), e.g. S. africa (Wiedemann), S. albiceps Meigen, S. misera Walker; (2) on cadaver (necrobiodotic), e.g. S. krathonmai Pape and Bänziger, S. nathani (Lopes), S. saprianovae Pape and Bänziger; and (3) on both of them (amphibiodotic), e.g. S. dux Thompson, S. ruficornis (Fabricius). However, larvae of copro- and necrobiodotic species experimentally transferred to cadaver and faeces, respectively, also developed to normal adults. The unexpected laying choosiness between excrement or carrion in the wild is discussed, together with the role played by laying habits in deceptive pollination systems and myiases.

Comparative micromorphology of third instar larvae and the breeding biology of some Afrotropical Sarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Four sympatric species of Sarcophaga, viz S. cruentata Meigen, S. exuberans Pandelle, S. nodosa Engel and S. tibialis Macquart, which occur in the Transvaal, South Africa, showed oviparity under optimum laboratory breeding conditions. Details of the life cycle duration under these conditions are discussed. Rearing and colonizing methods were developed. Scanning electron microscopy of third instar larvae provided useful data in distinguishing between the four species. The characters which were examined were the spinulation of the body segments and the rim surrounding the spiracular atrium of the posterior spiracles, the anterior spiracles and the spiracular hairs of the posterior spiracles.