Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments.Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a promi...Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments.Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation,and therefore forensic entomologists.The identification,geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban,stored-product,medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.展开更多
Molecular Entomology（ISSN 1925-198X）is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.
Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chose...Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression展开更多
Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chose...Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be展开更多
Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chose...Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics。展开更多
Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chose...Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics,insect physiology and biochemistry.Meanwhile we also publish the articles related to展开更多
According to characteristics of General Entomology and existing problems in teaching process,it came up with methods and countermeasures for improving teaching General Entomology,including improving practical ability ...According to characteristics of General Entomology and existing problems in teaching process,it came up with methods and countermeasures for improving teaching General Entomology,including improving practical ability of students through enhancing all links of practice teaching,and stimulating learning interest of students through improving methods of course examination.展开更多
Released July 1, 2023 by Springer, this 822 page book in English consists of 23 chapters. Chapters 1–8 address basic entomology concepts from morphology and function to general insect ecology, population dynamics, in...Released July 1, 2023 by Springer, this 822 page book in English consists of 23 chapters. Chapters 1–8 address basic entomology concepts from morphology and function to general insect ecology, population dynamics, insect and natural enemy interactions, insect-plant interactions, and insect and forest succession.展开更多
This technical note aims to show how any instructor teaching entomology can use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and the “one click” mode of Phylogeny.fr to teach undergraduate students about insect DNA...This technical note aims to show how any instructor teaching entomology can use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and the “one click” mode of Phylogeny.fr to teach undergraduate students about insect DNA similarity in a simple way. Teaching an entomology course requires the use of numerous tools to help students grasp different concepts. Knowing that there are more than one million described species of insects means that teaching students about insect identification and taxonomy can be challenging. However, here we present two easy exercises that could be used as classroom or </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">take-home assignments to demonstrate various levels of DNA similarity</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> among different insect taxa. Such exercises unlock students’ creativity and break the barrier of fear of bioinformatics. Moreover, they open up new ways for them to understand insect taxonomy through molecular biology and allow them to develop new skills that contribute to strengthening their scientific performance in the future, especially when they do research as graduate students. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Finally, this note is an example of how to integrate simple bioinformatics </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tools into the teaching of entomology.展开更多
Forensic entomology is basically a science that is based on the scientific study of the invasion and succession pattern of arthropods with their developmental stages of different species found on the decomposed cadave...Forensic entomology is basically a science that is based on the scientific study of the invasion and succession pattern of arthropods with their developmental stages of different species found on the decomposed cadavers during legal investigations.The developmental rate of Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya megacephala was studied in beef liver for the correlation of time duration in each phase with the temperature and climate.The obtained data belong to L.sericata at temperatures between 22℃and 26℃(mean‑24℃)and relative humidity 50%±10%and C.megacephala at temperatures between 23℃and 27℃(mean‑25℃)and relative humidity 55%±10%.From the analysis of results,it was observed that in the climatic conditions of the study area,time since death assessment involving L.sericata was found to be with a potential of maximum 10-11 days and C.megacephala with 8-9 days.The data emerged as results from the present work would be beneficial for investigations involving decomposed dead body remains for the assessment of time since death.展开更多
Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightl...Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.展开更多
Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) is the most abundant and predominant species which arrives and colonizes a cadaver first in most parts of China.Therefore,its growth and development patterns have great implicati...Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) is the most abundant and predominant species which arrives and colonizes a cadaver first in most parts of China.Therefore,its growth and development patterns have great implications in the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).In this study,C megacephala was collected from the Yangtze River Delta region and reared at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 ℃ to 34 ℃.The developmental duration and accumulated degree hours,larval body length and morphological changes of C.megacephala were examined.Furthermore,we constructed three developmental models,isomorphen diagram,isomegalen diagram and thermal summation model,which can be used for estimating PMImin.The developmental durations of C.megacephala at 16 ℃,19 ℃,22 ℃,25 ℃,28 ℃,31 ℃ and 34 ℃ are (794.8 ± 14.7),(533.2 ± 10.1),(377.8 ± 16.8),(280.8 ± 15.1),(218.9 ± 8.5),(190.8 ± 10.1) and (171.8 ± 6.8) h,respectively.The developmental threshold temperature D0 is (11.41 ± 0.32) ℃,and the thermal summation constant K is (3 418.7 ± 137.0) degree hours.Regression analysis was conducted to obtain equations of the variation in larval body length with time after hatching,and variation in time after hatching with body length.Moreover,our study divides the intra-puparial morphological changes of C.megacephala into 11 sub-stages,and provides the time range experienced by each sub-stage.The results of this study provide fundamental development data for the use of C.megacephala in PMImin estimations.展开更多
Forensic entomology could provide valuable data for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation and other relevant information,such as causes and circumstances of death.Some representatives of flesh flies are ...Forensic entomology could provide valuable data for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation and other relevant information,such as causes and circumstances of death.Some representatives of flesh flies are one of the dominant necrophagous insects during early stages of decomposition,demonstrating unique biological characteristics compared with other necrophagous flies.Moreover,they lead to global health concerns as carriers of various pathogenic micro-organisms,and dominantly result in the traumatic myiasis.Thus,sarcophagid flies are considered important in decomposition processes for PMImin estimation.However,the utility of sarcophagid flies has been seriously hampered by limited ecological,biological and taxonomic knowledge of them.The aim of this paper is to provide a brief review on the species,distribution and biological habit of forensically important sarcophagid flies.In addition,the relation between traumatic myiasis and flesh flies,molecular identification methods and developmental pattern of flesh flies are summarized.展开更多
Knowledge of necrophagous insects' developmental data is necessary for the forensic entomologist to estimate a reliable minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).Among the most represented necrophagous species,Lucilia ...Knowledge of necrophagous insects' developmental data is necessary for the forensic entomologist to estimate a reliable minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).Among the most represented necrophagous species,Lucilia sericata (Diptera,Calliphoridae) is particularly interesting.It is regularly identified in samples,with a predominance in summer,and is commonly used by analysts of our entomology department (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) to estimate the PMImin with the accumulated degree days (ADD) method.This method requires the mathematical lower thermal threshold to be known.This value dictates the quality of the applied ADD method but cannot be considered as fixed,especially when insect development occurs at temperatures close to the biological threshold.In such conditions,it is necessary to study the influence of such temperatures on development rate,as well as the consequences of estimating the period of first oviposition on cadavers,when using the ADD method.Seven replicate rearings were conducted at six different temperatures: 30 ℃,24 ℃,18 ℃,15 ℃,12 ℃ and 10 ℃.Time of development and time of emergence were recorded.The effect of low temperature on the development cycle and the reliability of the ADD method under this entire temperature spectrum were studied using different linear regression models.Calculated durations of total insect time development and experimental rearing duration were then compared.A global linear model cannot be used on the whole temperature spectrum experienced by L.sericata without resulting in an overestimation at some temperatures.We found a combination of two linear regression models to be suitable for the estimation of the total development time,depending on the temperature experienced by L.sericata.This approach allowed us to obtain a variation lower than 2% at 12 ℃ and 10 ℃ between the calculated duration and experimental duration of development.In comparison,the results obtained with a global model show a variation higher than 3% at 12 ℃ and 10%at 10℃.展开更多
Objective:To investigate insects visiting sun exposed and shaded decomposing rabbit carcasses and to establish the relationship between insects and carcasses which may be of forensic importance in Harare.Methods:Two r...Objective:To investigate insects visiting sun exposed and shaded decomposing rabbit carcasses and to establish the relationship between insects and carcasses which may be of forensic importance in Harare.Methods:Two rabbits weighing 2.3 kg and 2.5 kg were killed by sharp blows on the head.One was exposed to the sun while the other was placed under shade.The carcasses were allowed to decompose and insects were collected twice a day for the first week and thereafter once a day up to the end of the 7 weeks.Maggots were also collected from the decomposing carcasses and reared.Results:Five dipteran families(Galliphoridae,Muscidae,Sarcophagidae,Phoridae and Drosophilidae)were identified from the sun-exposed carcass.Species collected included Lucilia cuprina(L.cuprina),Chrysomya albiceps(C.albiceps),Musca domestica,Sarcophaga sp.and Drosophila sp.Four families(Calliphoridae,Muscidae,Phoridae,Anthomyiidae)were identified from the shaded carcass.Representatives of these families included L cuprina,C.albiceps,Musca domestica,and Hydrotaea sp.Three Coleopteran families(Histeridae,Cleridae and Dermestidae)were identified from hodt carcasses.The observed species were Saprinus sp,Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes sp.Fomicidae(Hymenoptera)was represented by only one species(Pheidoie sp.)Flies which emerged from the rearing units were L cuprina,Lucilia sp.,C.albiceps,Sarcophaga sp.and Sepsis sp.).Conclusions:Of the dipteran species collected during the study,L cuprina and C.albiceps could be important for further forensic studies since they were collected from the carcasses and also observed from the rearing units.展开更多
To distinguish species or populations using morphometric data is generally processed through multivariate analyses, in particular the discriminant analysis. We explored another approach based on the maximum likelihood...To distinguish species or populations using morphometric data is generally processed through multivariate analyses, in particular the discriminant analysis. We explored another approach based on the maximum likelihood method. Simple statistics based on the assumption of normal distribution at a single variable allows to compute the chance of observing a particular data （or sample） in a given reference group. When data are described by more than one variable, the maximum likelihood （MLi） approach allows to combine these chances to find the best fit for the data. Such approach assumes independence between variables. The assumptions of normal distribution of variables and independence between them are frequently not met in morphometrics, but improvements may be obtained after some mathematical transformations. Provided there is strict anatomical correspondence of variables between unknown and reference data, the MLi classification produces consistent classification. We explored this approach using various input data, and compared validated classification scores with the ones obtained after the Mahalanobis distance-based classification. The simplicity of the method, its fast computation, performance and versatility, make it an interesting complement to other classification techniques.展开更多
Blow flies are worldwide the most important insects from a forensic point of view.In Thailand,aside from the two most common species,Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart),Chrysomya chani Kurah...Blow flies are worldwide the most important insects from a forensic point of view.In Thailand,aside from the two most common species,Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart),Chrysomya chani Kurahashi was also found to be of forensic importance.We present a case of a human female cadaver in its bloated stage of decomposition,discovered at Pachangnoi Subdistrict,northern Thailand.Entomological sampling during the autopsy displayed an assemblage of numerous dipteran larvae.Macroscopic observations showed the coexistence of third instar larvae of the three blow flies C.megacephala,Chrysomya villeneuvi Patton,an unknown blow fly species and one muscid,Hydrotaea sp.The minimum post-mortem interval was estimated to be six days,based on the developmental rate of C megacephala.The ID of the unknown larva,which is the focus of this report,was revealed later as C.chani by DNA sequencing,using a 1205 bp of cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ (COⅠ).The occurrence of C.chani on a human body revealed the need to analyse and describe the morphology of its immature stage,to enable forensic entomologists to identify this fly species in future cases.The morphological examination of the third instar was performed,revealing peculiar characteristics: protuberant tubercles encircling abdominal segments;9-11 lobes on the anterior spiracle;six prominent pairs of tubercles along the peripheral rim of the eighth abdominal segment;a heavily sclerotized complete peritreme of the posterior spiracles.A key to differentiate the third instar of blow flies of forensic importance in Thailand is provided.展开更多
Insects such as Acheta domesticus account for over half of marsh fish and migratory bird diet. Therefore, insects are very important to marsh and island ecosy stems and are susceptible to oil contamination, but little...Insects such as Acheta domesticus account for over half of marsh fish and migratory bird diet. Therefore, insects are very important to marsh and island ecosy stems and are susceptible to oil contamination, but little research has been done to study the effects of oil spills on cricket populations. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of an oil spill event on Acheta domesticus mortality and hatch rate to establish environmental sustainability. The treatment groups included 0% oil contamination, 5% oil contamination and 10% oil contamination. The scientist counted the number of deaths in two-week, four-week, and six-week-old crickets after oil contamination. In addition, the scientist counted the number of hatchlings among treated cricket eggs. Error bar lines in the results section supported the scientist’s hypothesis that the crickets would be affected by oil contamination. In fact, over 90% of the 10% oil treatment group died and over 80% of the 5% oil treatment group died after five days of oil contamination in the six-week-old experiment. The scientist used a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer to determine if benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene (total) were present in the sediment samples. BTEX exposure is suspected to possibly cause insect mortality. These volatile organic compounds were present in the samples and were found in higher quantities in samples with higher concentrations of oil. The highest quantity of volatile organic compounds present was xylene. After studying the population dynamics of the tested Acheta domesticus, the scientist found that the two-week and four-week-old crickets’ survivability could fit a linear model while the six-week-old crickets fit an exponential model. The scientist used these models to observe how long it took each treatment group to approach zero, and the oiled groups grew closer to a population of zero significantly faster. For example, it took about twenty-seven days for the 10% treatment group’s population to approach zero whereas the control, 0% treatment group, took about seven days in the two-week-old cricket experiment. Overall, the six-week-old crickets had the highest mortality, and the cricket egg experiment resulted in extremely low hatch rate. Specifically, the highest number of crickets that hatched in an oiled replication either 5% or 10% oil was eight out of the five thousand eggs laid. Since the adult crickets are the most physically able to reproduce and the cricket eggs had low hatch rates, the cricket population would significantly decrease after an oil spill with 5% or more soil contamination. However, if the plant matter that crickets consume is still present in their environment, they may be able to recover.展开更多
Accurate age estimates of immature necrophagous insects associated with a human or animal body can provide evidence of how long the body has been dead.These estimates are based on species-specific details of the inse...Accurate age estimates of immature necrophagous insects associated with a human or animal body can provide evidence of how long the body has been dead.These estimates are based on species-specific details of the insects’aging processes,and therefore require accurate species identification and developmental stage estimation.Many professionals who produce or use identified organisms as forensic evidence have little training in taxonomy or metrology,and appreciate the availability of formalized principles and standards for biological identification.Taxonomic identifications are usually most readily and economically made using categorical and qualitative morphological characters,but it may be necessary to use less convenient and potentially more ambiguous characters that are continuous and quantitative if two candidate species are closely related,or if identifying developmental stages within a species.Characters should be selected by criteria such as taxonomic specificity and metrological repeatability and relative error.We propose such a hierarchical framework,critique various measurements of immature insects,and suggest some standard approaches to determine the reliability of organismal identifications and measurements in estimating postmortem intervals.Relevant criteria for good characters include high repeatability(including low scope for ambiguity or parallax effects),pronounced discreteness,and small relative error in measurements.These same principles apply to individuation of unique objects in general.展开更多
文摘Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments.Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation,and therefore forensic entomologists.The identification,geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban,stored-product,medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.
文摘Molecular Entomology（ISSN 1925-198X）is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.
文摘Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression
文摘Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be
文摘Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics。
文摘Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics,insect physiology and biochemistry.Meanwhile we also publish the articles related to
文摘According to characteristics of General Entomology and existing problems in teaching process,it came up with methods and countermeasures for improving teaching General Entomology,including improving practical ability of students through enhancing all links of practice teaching,and stimulating learning interest of students through improving methods of course examination.
文摘Released July 1, 2023 by Springer, this 822 page book in English consists of 23 chapters. Chapters 1–8 address basic entomology concepts from morphology and function to general insect ecology, population dynamics, insect and natural enemy interactions, insect-plant interactions, and insect and forest succession.
文摘This technical note aims to show how any instructor teaching entomology can use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and the “one click” mode of Phylogeny.fr to teach undergraduate students about insect DNA similarity in a simple way. Teaching an entomology course requires the use of numerous tools to help students grasp different concepts. Knowing that there are more than one million described species of insects means that teaching students about insect identification and taxonomy can be challenging. However, here we present two easy exercises that could be used as classroom or </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">take-home assignments to demonstrate various levels of DNA similarity</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> among different insect taxa. Such exercises unlock students’ creativity and break the barrier of fear of bioinformatics. Moreover, they open up new ways for them to understand insect taxonomy through molecular biology and allow them to develop new skills that contribute to strengthening their scientific performance in the future, especially when they do research as graduate students. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Finally, this note is an example of how to integrate simple bioinformatics </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tools into the teaching of entomology.
文摘Forensic entomology is basically a science that is based on the scientific study of the invasion and succession pattern of arthropods with their developmental stages of different species found on the decomposed cadavers during legal investigations.The developmental rate of Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya megacephala was studied in beef liver for the correlation of time duration in each phase with the temperature and climate.The obtained data belong to L.sericata at temperatures between 22℃and 26℃(mean‑24℃)and relative humidity 50%±10%and C.megacephala at temperatures between 23℃and 27℃(mean‑25℃)and relative humidity 55%±10%.From the analysis of results,it was observed that in the climatic conditions of the study area,time since death assessment involving L.sericata was found to be with a potential of maximum 10-11 days and C.megacephala with 8-9 days.The data emerged as results from the present work would be beneficial for investigations involving decomposed dead body remains for the assessment of time since death.
文摘Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.
基金This study was supported by the grant from National Natu-ral Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 30870332 and 81273352]Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education.
文摘Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) is the most abundant and predominant species which arrives and colonizes a cadaver first in most parts of China.Therefore,its growth and development patterns have great implications in the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).In this study,C megacephala was collected from the Yangtze River Delta region and reared at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 ℃ to 34 ℃.The developmental duration and accumulated degree hours,larval body length and morphological changes of C.megacephala were examined.Furthermore,we constructed three developmental models,isomorphen diagram,isomegalen diagram and thermal summation model,which can be used for estimating PMImin.The developmental durations of C.megacephala at 16 ℃,19 ℃,22 ℃,25 ℃,28 ℃,31 ℃ and 34 ℃ are (794.8 ± 14.7),(533.2 ± 10.1),(377.8 ± 16.8),(280.8 ± 15.1),(218.9 ± 8.5),(190.8 ± 10.1) and (171.8 ± 6.8) h,respectively.The developmental threshold temperature D0 is (11.41 ± 0.32) ℃,and the thermal summation constant K is (3 418.7 ± 137.0) degree hours.Regression analysis was conducted to obtain equations of the variation in larval body length with time after hatching,and variation in time after hatching with body length.Moreover,our study divides the intra-puparial morphological changes of C.megacephala into 11 sub-stages,and provides the time range experienced by each sub-stage.The results of this study provide fundamental development data for the use of C.megacephala in PMImin estimations.
基金This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 81302615 and 81772026]the National Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province[grant number 2017JJ3512].
文摘Forensic entomology could provide valuable data for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation and other relevant information,such as causes and circumstances of death.Some representatives of flesh flies are one of the dominant necrophagous insects during early stages of decomposition,demonstrating unique biological characteristics compared with other necrophagous flies.Moreover,they lead to global health concerns as carriers of various pathogenic micro-organisms,and dominantly result in the traumatic myiasis.Thus,sarcophagid flies are considered important in decomposition processes for PMImin estimation.However,the utility of sarcophagid flies has been seriously hampered by limited ecological,biological and taxonomic knowledge of them.The aim of this paper is to provide a brief review on the species,distribution and biological habit of forensically important sarcophagid flies.In addition,the relation between traumatic myiasis and flesh flies,molecular identification methods and developmental pattern of flesh flies are summarized.
文摘Knowledge of necrophagous insects' developmental data is necessary for the forensic entomologist to estimate a reliable minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).Among the most represented necrophagous species,Lucilia sericata (Diptera,Calliphoridae) is particularly interesting.It is regularly identified in samples,with a predominance in summer,and is commonly used by analysts of our entomology department (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) to estimate the PMImin with the accumulated degree days (ADD) method.This method requires the mathematical lower thermal threshold to be known.This value dictates the quality of the applied ADD method but cannot be considered as fixed,especially when insect development occurs at temperatures close to the biological threshold.In such conditions,it is necessary to study the influence of such temperatures on development rate,as well as the consequences of estimating the period of first oviposition on cadavers,when using the ADD method.Seven replicate rearings were conducted at six different temperatures: 30 ℃,24 ℃,18 ℃,15 ℃,12 ℃ and 10 ℃.Time of development and time of emergence were recorded.The effect of low temperature on the development cycle and the reliability of the ADD method under this entire temperature spectrum were studied using different linear regression models.Calculated durations of total insect time development and experimental rearing duration were then compared.A global linear model cannot be used on the whole temperature spectrum experienced by L.sericata without resulting in an overestimation at some temperatures.We found a combination of two linear regression models to be suitable for the estimation of the total development time,depending on the temperature experienced by L.sericata.This approach allowed us to obtain a variation lower than 2% at 12 ℃ and 10 ℃ between the calculated duration and experimental duration of development.In comparison,the results obtained with a global model show a variation higher than 3% at 12 ℃ and 10%at 10℃.
基金Funded by the Department of Anatomy,College of Health Sciences,University of Zimbabwe(Grant No.Jato 35)
文摘Objective:To investigate insects visiting sun exposed and shaded decomposing rabbit carcasses and to establish the relationship between insects and carcasses which may be of forensic importance in Harare.Methods:Two rabbits weighing 2.3 kg and 2.5 kg were killed by sharp blows on the head.One was exposed to the sun while the other was placed under shade.The carcasses were allowed to decompose and insects were collected twice a day for the first week and thereafter once a day up to the end of the 7 weeks.Maggots were also collected from the decomposing carcasses and reared.Results:Five dipteran families(Galliphoridae,Muscidae,Sarcophagidae,Phoridae and Drosophilidae)were identified from the sun-exposed carcass.Species collected included Lucilia cuprina(L.cuprina),Chrysomya albiceps(C.albiceps),Musca domestica,Sarcophaga sp.and Drosophila sp.Four families(Calliphoridae,Muscidae,Phoridae,Anthomyiidae)were identified from the shaded carcass.Representatives of these families included L cuprina,C.albiceps,Musca domestica,and Hydrotaea sp.Three Coleopteran families(Histeridae,Cleridae and Dermestidae)were identified from hodt carcasses.The observed species were Saprinus sp,Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes sp.Fomicidae(Hymenoptera)was represented by only one species(Pheidoie sp.)Flies which emerged from the rearing units were L cuprina,Lucilia sp.,C.albiceps,Sarcophaga sp.and Sepsis sp.).Conclusions:Of the dipteran species collected during the study,L cuprina and C.albiceps could be important for further forensic studies since they were collected from the carcasses and also observed from the rearing units.
基金financed by the Chaires Merieux foundation(Paris,France)Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador(M 13480)
文摘To distinguish species or populations using morphometric data is generally processed through multivariate analyses, in particular the discriminant analysis. We explored another approach based on the maximum likelihood method. Simple statistics based on the assumption of normal distribution at a single variable allows to compute the chance of observing a particular data （or sample） in a given reference group. When data are described by more than one variable, the maximum likelihood （MLi） approach allows to combine these chances to find the best fit for the data. Such approach assumes independence between variables. The assumptions of normal distribution of variables and independence between them are frequently not met in morphometrics, but improvements may be obtained after some mathematical transformations. Provided there is strict anatomical correspondence of variables between unknown and reference data, the MLi classification produces consistent classification. We explored this approach using various input data, and compared validated classification scores with the ones obtained after the Mahalanobis distance-based classification. The simplicity of the method, its fast computation, performance and versatility, make it an interesting complement to other classification techniques.
基金Chiang Mai University(CMU)through the Excellence Center for Insect Vector Study.
文摘Blow flies are worldwide the most important insects from a forensic point of view.In Thailand,aside from the two most common species,Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart),Chrysomya chani Kurahashi was also found to be of forensic importance.We present a case of a human female cadaver in its bloated stage of decomposition,discovered at Pachangnoi Subdistrict,northern Thailand.Entomological sampling during the autopsy displayed an assemblage of numerous dipteran larvae.Macroscopic observations showed the coexistence of third instar larvae of the three blow flies C.megacephala,Chrysomya villeneuvi Patton,an unknown blow fly species and one muscid,Hydrotaea sp.The minimum post-mortem interval was estimated to be six days,based on the developmental rate of C megacephala.The ID of the unknown larva,which is the focus of this report,was revealed later as C.chani by DNA sequencing,using a 1205 bp of cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ (COⅠ).The occurrence of C.chani on a human body revealed the need to analyse and describe the morphology of its immature stage,to enable forensic entomologists to identify this fly species in future cases.The morphological examination of the third instar was performed,revealing peculiar characteristics: protuberant tubercles encircling abdominal segments;9-11 lobes on the anterior spiracle;six prominent pairs of tubercles along the peripheral rim of the eighth abdominal segment;a heavily sclerotized complete peritreme of the posterior spiracles.A key to differentiate the third instar of blow flies of forensic importance in Thailand is provided.
文摘Insects such as Acheta domesticus account for over half of marsh fish and migratory bird diet. Therefore, insects are very important to marsh and island ecosy stems and are susceptible to oil contamination, but little research has been done to study the effects of oil spills on cricket populations. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of an oil spill event on Acheta domesticus mortality and hatch rate to establish environmental sustainability. The treatment groups included 0% oil contamination, 5% oil contamination and 10% oil contamination. The scientist counted the number of deaths in two-week, four-week, and six-week-old crickets after oil contamination. In addition, the scientist counted the number of hatchlings among treated cricket eggs. Error bar lines in the results section supported the scientist’s hypothesis that the crickets would be affected by oil contamination. In fact, over 90% of the 10% oil treatment group died and over 80% of the 5% oil treatment group died after five days of oil contamination in the six-week-old experiment. The scientist used a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer to determine if benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene (total) were present in the sediment samples. BTEX exposure is suspected to possibly cause insect mortality. These volatile organic compounds were present in the samples and were found in higher quantities in samples with higher concentrations of oil. The highest quantity of volatile organic compounds present was xylene. After studying the population dynamics of the tested Acheta domesticus, the scientist found that the two-week and four-week-old crickets’ survivability could fit a linear model while the six-week-old crickets fit an exponential model. The scientist used these models to observe how long it took each treatment group to approach zero, and the oiled groups grew closer to a population of zero significantly faster. For example, it took about twenty-seven days for the 10% treatment group’s population to approach zero whereas the control, 0% treatment group, took about seven days in the two-week-old cricket experiment. Overall, the six-week-old crickets had the highest mortality, and the cricket egg experiment resulted in extremely low hatch rate. Specifically, the highest number of crickets that hatched in an oiled replication either 5% or 10% oil was eight out of the five thousand eggs laid. Since the adult crickets are the most physically able to reproduce and the cricket eggs had low hatch rates, the cricket population would significantly decrease after an oil spill with 5% or more soil contamination. However, if the plant matter that crickets consume is still present in their environment, they may be able to recover.
文摘Accurate age estimates of immature necrophagous insects associated with a human or animal body can provide evidence of how long the body has been dead.These estimates are based on species-specific details of the insects’aging processes,and therefore require accurate species identification and developmental stage estimation.Many professionals who produce or use identified organisms as forensic evidence have little training in taxonomy or metrology,and appreciate the availability of formalized principles and standards for biological identification.Taxonomic identifications are usually most readily and economically made using categorical and qualitative morphological characters,but it may be necessary to use less convenient and potentially more ambiguous characters that are continuous and quantitative if two candidate species are closely related,or if identifying developmental stages within a species.Characters should be selected by criteria such as taxonomic specificity and metrological repeatability and relative error.We propose such a hierarchical framework,critique various measurements of immature insects,and suggest some standard approaches to determine the reliability of organismal identifications and measurements in estimating postmortem intervals.Relevant criteria for good characters include high repeatability(including low scope for ambiguity or parallax effects),pronounced discreteness,and small relative error in measurements.These same principles apply to individuation of unique objects in general.
