Development of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in different pig tissues

Abstract

Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) has been encountered breeding in animal carcasses and human bodies in many geographical regions. This species is considered an important postmortem indicator for Medical Legal Forensic Entomology. Studies have also demonstrated its capacity to develop in various natural and semi-synthetic substrates. The present study was undertaken to examine the development of immature C. albiceps in four different pig tissues. Eggs of this fly were deposited in flasks containing liver, abdominal fat, meat, and brain tissues. The flasks were maintained in an incubator at 25 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% humidity, and 12-h/12-h photoperiod until emergence of the imagoes. Samples of the larvae were taken from different tissues/substrates to be weighed and measured. Their respective rates of development were accompanied. Comparisons among data from the different tissues indicated differences in the size and rate of development of larvae of the same age. Males emerged, on average, 1 day before females. Considerations as to the differences encountered for the estimate of postmortem interval were elaborated and consequences for the accuracy of the inferences discussed. The results indicate that such inferences should consider the disparities in the development of larvae presented by this species in different tissues.