NCJ Number
184331
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 824-832
Date Published
July 2000
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study focused on rates of development of some of the most common species of blow flies on carrion and in human death investigations in British Columbia, Canada, because blow fly development rates are often used to estimate the time elapsed since each in homicide investigations in the first few weeks after death.
Abstract
Accurate developmental data for all carrion species and at temperatures compatible with those at crime scenes are crucial to making more precise estimates. The study focused on five forensically important species: Phormia regina (Meigen), Phaenicia sericata (Meigen), Eucalliphora latifons (Hough), Lucilia illustris (Meigen), and Calliphora vicina Robinea-Desvoidy. The research used several temperatures. The minimal handling of the larvae used in these experiments appeared to have no effect on the insect’s behavior or development. Higher temperatures speeded development; complete development from egg to adult took from 1.4 to 2.3 times longer at the lower temperatures. One species took longer to develop under fluctuating temperatures than under constant temperatures. No significant differences existed between percent time spent in the egg, first, second, or third instar between the five species or the four temperatures. Findings suggested that larval length may indicate age, but it should not be the sole predictor. Tables, figures, and 62 references (Author abstract modified)