NCJ Number
191319
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1098-1102
Date Published
September 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed the development of a mtDNA sequence database permitting the identification of all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a corpse in a urban habitat within Canada or the United States.
Abstract
The larvae of sarcophagid flies (flesh flies) are potentially among the most useful insects for the investigation of suspicious human death. Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic indicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficult or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in many instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. A database of mitochondrial DNA sequence data was developed making it possible to identify all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the United States. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyzed were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia, Blaesoxipha, Ravinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Musca (Musicidae). In addition to developing a forensic tool, the data provided an opportunity to evaluate the potential value of COI for basic biological studies of these insects. Tables, graphs and references