NCJ Number
206227
Journal
Anil Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 26-32
Date Published
2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a study conducted in Northern Italy from April to June 2002 that was designed to determine which insects, Diptera in particular, first colonize a corpse and to better define their ethology by describing the development cycles and variability under the climatic conditions in the urban habitat of Parma, Italy.
Abstract
The site for the experimental trials was the Botanical Gardens and Natural History Museum of Parma. Pig meat was used as bait to attract the insects in an open area (in shade on a terrace). They were exposed for 72-90 hours to allow time for Diptera to be attracted to fresh meat. Diptera and Coleoptera samples were collected, analyzed, and identified. Various climatic conditions such as temperature and relative humidity values were recorded to indicate the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the insects' life cycle and on the entomological conclusions in a real forensic case. Numerous individuals of the species Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga africa (Sarcophagidae), Megaselia scalaris (Phoridae) and Coleopteran Dermestidae, and Histeridae were sampled. The first two species were attracted to fresh meat, and the third species was attracted to rotting meat and had a complete development cycle indoors. Environmental parameters such as temperature and relative humidity variation affected the presence and abundance of Diptera specimens and their life cycle, together with other arthropods. 10 figures and 25 references