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New Host Plant Records for Species Of
Life: The Excitement of Biology 4(4) 272 Geometric Morphometrics Sexual Dimorphism in Three Forensically- Important Species of Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae)1 José Antonio Nuñez-Rodríguez2 and Jonathan Liria3 Abstract: Forensic entomologists use adult and immature (larvae) insect specimens for estimating the minimum postmortem interval. Traditionally, this insect identification uses external morphology and/or molecular techniques. Additional tools like Geometric Morphometrics (GM) based on wing shape, could be used as a complement for traditional taxonomic species recognition. Recently, evolutionary studies have been focused on the phenotypic quantification for Sexual Shape Dimorphism (SShD). However, in forensically important species of blow flies, sexual variation studies are scarce. For this reason, GM was used to describe wing sexual dimorphism (size and shape) in three Calliphoridae species. Significant differences in wing size between females and males were found; the wing females were larger than those of males. The SShD variation occurs at the intersection between the radius R1 and wing margin, the intersection between the radius R2+3 and wing margin, the intersection between anal vein and CuA1, the intersection between media and radial-medial, and the intersection between the radius R4+5 and transversal radio-medial. Our study represents a contribution for SShD description in three blowfly species of forensic importance, and the morphometrics results corroborate the relevance for taxonomic purposes. We also suggest future investigations that correlated shape and size in sexual dimorphism with environmental factors such as substrate type, and laboratory/sylvatic populations, among others. Key Words: Geometric morphometric sexual dimorphism, wing, shape, size, Diptera, Calliphoridae, Chrysomyinae, Lucilinae Introduction In determinig the minimum postmortem interval (PMI), forensic entomologists use blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and other insects associated with body corposes (Bonacci et al. -
Molecular Identification of Some Forensically Important Blowflies of Southern Africa and Australia
Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2003) 17, 363–369 Molecular identification of some forensically important blowflies of southern Africa and Australia M.L.HARVEY,M.W.MANSELL* ,M.H.VILLETy andI.R.DADOUR Centre for Forensic Science, University of Western Australia, Australia, *Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, and yDepartment of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, South Africa Abstract. One major aspect of research in forensic entomology is the investigation of molecular techniques for the accurate identification of insects. Studies to date have addressed the corpse fauna of many geographical regions, but generally neglected the southern African calliphorid species. In this study, forensically significant calliphorids from South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe and Australia were sequenced over an 1167 base pair region of the COI gene. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to examine the ability of the region to resolve species identities and taxonomic relationships between species. Analyses by neigh- bour-joining, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods all showed the potential of this region to provide the necessary species-level identifications for application to post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation; however, higher level taxonomic relationships did vary according to method of analysis. Intraspecific variation was also considered in relation to determining suitable maximum levels of variation to be expected during analysis. Individuals of some species in the study represented populations from both South Africa and the east coast of Australia, yet maximum intraspecific variation over this gene region was calculated at 0.8%,with minimum interspecific variation at 3%, indicating distinct ranges of variation to be expected at intra- and interspecific levels. -
In Vitro Recovery and Identification of Y-STR DNA from Chrysomya Albiceps ( Diptera, Calliphoridae) Larvae Fed a Decomposing Mixture of Human Semen and Ground Beef
In vitro recovery and identification of Y-STR DNA from Chrysomya albiceps ( Diptera, Calliphoridae) larvae fed a decomposing mixture of human semen and ground beef C.A. Chamoun1, M.S. Couri2, I.D. Louro3, R.G. Garrido4, R.S. Moura-Neto5 and J. Oliveira-Costa6 1 Departamento de Criminalística da Polícia Civil do Estado do Espírito Santo e Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil 2 Museu Nacional , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Depto de Entomologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil 3 Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular , Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil 4 Instituto de Pesquisas e Perícias em Genética Forense , Polícia Civil do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade Nacional de Direito. Universidade Católica de Petrópolis, Programa de Pós-graduação em Direito, Petrópolis, RJ, Brasil 5 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil 6 Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli, Polícia Civil do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil Corresponding author: C.A. Chamoun E-mail: [email protected] Genet. Mol. Res. 18 (1): gmr18189 Received July 18, 2018 Accepted February 07, 2019 Published February 28, 2019 DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr18189 ABSTRACT. Worldwide, several women become victims of rape every day. Many of those women are also murdered, with their bodies sometimes being found in an advanced state of decomposition, resulting in loss of evidence important to criminal investigations. Diptera is one of the main orders associated with human body decomposition. -
10 Arthropods and Corpses
Arthropods and Corpses 207 10 Arthropods and Corpses Mark Benecke, PhD CONTENTS INTRODUCTION HISTORY AND EARLY CASEWORK WOUND ARTIFACTS AND UNUSUAL FINDINGS EXEMPLARY CASES: NEGLECT OF ELDERLY PERSONS AND CHILDREN COLLECTION OF ARTHROPOD EVIDENCE DNA FORENSIC ENTOMOTOXICOLOGY FURTHER ARTIFACTS CAUSED BY ARTHROPODS REFERENCES SUMMARY The determination of the colonization interval of a corpse (“postmortem interval”) has been the major topic of forensic entomologists since the 19th century. The method is based on the link of developmental stages of arthropods, especially of blowfly larvae, to their age. The major advantage against the standard methods for the determination of the early postmortem interval (by the classical forensic pathological methods such as body temperature, post- mortem lividity and rigidity, and chemical investigations) is that arthropods can represent an accurate measure even in later stages of the postmortem in- terval when the classical forensic pathological methods fail. Apart from esti- mating the colonization interval, there are numerous other ways to use From: Forensic Pathology Reviews, Vol. 2 Edited by: M. Tsokos © Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ 207 208 Benecke arthropods as forensic evidence. Recently, artifacts produced by arthropods as well as the proof of neglect of elderly persons and children have become a special focus of interest. This chapter deals with the broad range of possible applications of entomology, including case examples and practical guidelines that relate to history, classical applications, DNA typing, blood-spatter arti- facts, estimation of the postmortem interval, cases of neglect, and entomotoxicology. Special reference is given to different arthropod species as an investigative and criminalistic tool. Key Words: Arthropod evidence; forensic science; blowflies; beetles; colonization interval; postmortem interval; neglect of the elderly; neglect of children; decomposition; DNA typing; entomotoxicology. -
(Diptera: Calliphoridae) from India
International Journal of Entomology Research International Journal of Entomology Research ISSN: 2455-4758 Impact Factor: RJIF 5.24 www.entomologyjournals.com Volume 3; Issue 1; January 2018; Page No. 43-48 Taxonomic studies on the genus Calliphora robineau-desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from India 1 Inderpal Singh Sidhu, *2 Rashmi Gupta, 3 Devinder Singh 1, 2 Department of Zoology, SGGS College, Sector 26, Chandigarh, Punjab, India 3 Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India Abstract Four Indian species belonging to the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy have been studied and detailed descriptions have been written for each of them that include synonymy, morphological attributes, colouration, chaetotaxy, wing venation, illustrations of male and female genitalia, material examined, distribution, holotype depository and remarks. A key to the Indian species has also been provided. Keywords: India, Calliphora, calliphorinae, calliphoridae, diptera Introduction . Calliphora rufifacies Macquart, 1851. Dipt. Exot. Suppl., The genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy is represented by 4: 216. four species in India (Bharti, 2011) [2]. They are medium to . Musca aucta Walker, 1853. Insect. Saund. Dipt., 1: 334. large sized flies commonly called the blue bottles. The . Calliphora insidiosa Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 Insect. diagnostic characters of the genus include: eyes holoptic or Saund. Dipt., 1: 334. subholoptic in male, dichoptic in female; jowls about half eye . Calliphora insidiosa Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863. Posth. 2: height; facial carina absent; length of 3rd antennal segment less 695. than 4X that of 2nd; arista long plumose; propleuron and . Calliphora turanica Rohdeau-Desvoidy, 1863. Posth., 2: prosternum hairy; postalar declivity hairy; acrostichals 1-3+3; 695. -
Tree Swallows (Tachycineta Bicolor) Nesting on Wetlands Impacted by Oil Sands Mining Are Highly Parasitized by the Bird Blow Fly Protocalliphora Spp
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 43(2), 2007, pp. 167–178 # Wildlife Disease Association 2007 TREE SWALLOWS (TACHYCINETA BICOLOR) NESTING ON WETLANDS IMPACTED BY OIL SANDS MINING ARE HIGHLY PARASITIZED BY THE BIRD BLOW FLY PROTOCALLIPHORA SPP. Marie-Line Gentes,1 Terry L. Whitworth,2 Cheryl Waldner,3 Heather Fenton,1 and Judit E. Smits1,4 1 Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada 2 Whitworth Pest Solutions, Inc., 2533 Inter Avenue, Puyallup, Washington, USA 3 Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada 4 Corresponding author (email: [email protected]) ABSTRACT: Oil sands mining is steadily expanding in Alberta, Canada. Major companies are planning reclamation strategies for mine tailings, in which wetlands will be used for the bioremediation of water and sediments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids during the extraction process. A series of experimental wetlands were built on companies’ leases to assess the feasibility of this approach, and tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were designated as upper trophic biological sentinels. From May to July 2004, prevalence and intensity of infestation with bird blow flies Protocalliphora spp. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were measured in nests on oil sands reclaimed wetlands and compared with those on a reference site. Nestling growth and survival also were monitored. Prevalence of infestation was surprisingly high for a small cavity nester; 100% of the 38 nests examined were infested. Nests on wetlands containing oil sands waste materials harbored on average from 60% to 72% more blow fly larvae than those on the reference site. -
Use of Necrophagous Insects As Evidence of Cadaver Relocation
A peer-reviewed version of this preprint was published in PeerJ on 1 August 2017. View the peer-reviewed version (peerj.com/articles/3506), which is the preferred citable publication unless you specifically need to cite this preprint. Charabidze D, Gosselin M, Hedouin V. 2017. Use of necrophagous insects as evidence of cadaver relocation: myth or reality? PeerJ 5:e3506 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3506 Use of necrophagous insects as evidence of cadaver relocation: myth or reality? Damien CHARABIDZE Corresp., 1 , Matthias GOSSELIN 2 , Valéry HEDOUIN 1 1 CHU Lille, EA 7367 - UTML - Unite de Taphonomie Medico-Legale, Univ Lille, 59000 Lille, France 2 Research Institute of Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, UMONS - Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium Corresponding Author: Damien CHARABIDZE Email address: [email protected] The use of insects as indicators of postmortem displacement is discussed in many text, courses and TV shows, and several studies addressing this issue have been published. However, the concept is widely cited but poorly understood, and only a few forensic cases have successfully applied such a method. Surprisingly, this question has never be taken into account entirely as a cross-disciplinary theme. The use of necrophagous insects as evidence of cadaver relocation actually involves a wide range of data on their biology: distribution areas, microhabitats, phenology, behavioral ecology and molecular analysis are among the research areas linked to this problem. This article reviews for the first time the current knowledge on these questions and analysze the possibilities/limitations of each method to evaluate their feasibility. This analysis reveals numerous weaknesses and mistaken beliefs but also many concrete possibilities and research opportunities. -
Insects, Beetles, Bugs and Slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve
Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Compiled by: Michael Fox www.megoutlook.org/flora-fauna/ © 2015-20 Creative Commons – free use with attribution to Mt Gravatt Environment Group Ants Dolichoderinae Iridomyrmex sp. Small Meat Ant Attendant “Kropotkin” ants with caterpillar of Imperial Hairstreak butterfly. Ants provide protection in return for sugary fluids secreted by the caterpillar. Note the strong jaws. These ants don’t sting but can give a powerful bite. Kropotkin is a reference to Russian biologist Peter Kropotkin who proposed a concept of evolution based on “mutual aid” helping species from ants to higher mammals survive. 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 1 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Opisthopsis rufithorax Black-headed Strobe Ant Formicinae Camponotus consobrinus Banded Sugar Ant Size 10mm Eggs in rotting log 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 2 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Camponotus nigriceps Black-headed Sugar Ant 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 3 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Polyrhachis ammon Golden-tailed Spiny Ant Large spines at rear of thorax Nest 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 4 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Polyrhachis australis Rattle Ant Black Weaver Ant or Dome-backed Spiny Ant Feeding on sugar secretions produced by Redgum Lerp Psyllid. -
G:\00Bol28\ECOLOGIA DIPTEROS\Ecologiadipteros.Wpd
Bol. S.E.A., nº 28 (2001) : 89—103. DATOS TAXONÓMICOS Y ECOLÓGICOS DE 304 ESPECIES DE DÍPTEROS ACALÍPTEROS (DIPTERA, ACALYPTRATA) Miguel Carles-Tolrá Avda. Príncipe de Asturias 30, ático 1; E-08012 Barcelona, España. Resumen: Se presentan datos taxonómicos y ecológicos de 304 especies de dípteros pertenecientes al grupo Acalyptrata. El trabajo se ha dividido en dos apartados estrechamente relacionados entre sí. En el primer apartado (TAXONOMÍA) se exponen los resultados ecológicos obtenidos por familias (31) y especies (304). Se muestran también las alturas mínima y máxima de captura de cada especie. En el segundo apartado (ECOLOGÍA) se exponen los hábitats (36) mostrando los resultados taxonómicos obtenidos en cada uno de ellos. En ambos casos, se hace un comentario de los resultados más destacados. Finalmente, se hace un estudio de ambos apartados (TAXONOMÍA y ECOLOGÍA), por separado, para tener una visión global de los resultados obtenidos. Palabras clave: Taxonomía, Ecología, 304 especies, Diptera, Acalyptrata, España. Taxonomical and ecological data of 304 acalypterate dipterous species (Diptera, Acalyptrata) Abstract: This paper presents taxonomical and ecological data of 304 acalypterate species of Diptera. The work has been divided into two closely related parts. In the first part (TAXONOMY) the ecological results obtained by families (31) and species (304) are exposed. Lowest and highest altitude of capture of each species are given. In the second part (ECOLOGY) the habitats (36) with the taxonomical results obtained in each case are shown. In both cases, a commentary of the most important results is made. Finally, a study of both parts (TAXONOMY and ECOLOGY) is made, for each one, to have a global view of the results. -
A Hoverfly Guide to the Bayer Research Farm in Great Chishill
A hoverfly guide to the Bayer Research Farm in Great Chishill 1 Orchard Farm, Great Chishill • Nesting and visiting birds ayer Crop Science’s farm in • Butterflies and moths Encouraging Hoverflies Great Chishill covers some 20 • Bees Bhectares on a gently undulating • Successful fledging of barn owl 1. Food Sources Hoverflies do not have suitable clay plateau to the south west of chicks (as an indicator of small Growing just about any wildflowers will mouthparts to feed from pea-flowers Cambridge, on the Hertfordshire mammal populations) attract at least some hoverflies and a such as clover, lucerne or sainfoin border. It is a working farm set up variety of species selected to flower that favour bees but will feed from to help the company research and Hoverflies continuously throughout the spring mints, both cornmint and watermint understand better, new crop protection Hoverflies are a group of Diptera (flies) and summer would be preferable. and other Labiates such as thyme, products and new seed varieties. As comprising the family Syrphidae with Traditional wildflower meadows are marjoram and so on. Some Crucifers its name implies, the farm used to be many being fairly large and colourful. often good places to look for hoverflies, are good such as the spring flowering an orchard and indeed, there remains Some of them, such as the Marmalade and there are several plants which cuckoo flower and hedge mustard; some apple and pear trees on the Hoverfly are generally common and are favoured. Common bramble is a later on water cress, oil seed rape and site used for testing of novel crop numerous enough to have a common magnet for various hoverflies and other other mustards are good. -
Variation in the Intensity and Prevalence of Macroparasites in Migratory Caribou: a Quasi-Circumpolar Study
Canadian Journal of Zoology Variation in the intensity and prevalence of macroparasites in migratory caribou: a quasi-circumpolar study Journal: Canadian Journal of Zoology Manuscript ID cjz-2015-0190.R2 Manuscript Type: Article Date Submitted by the Author: 21-Mar-2016 Complete List of Authors: Simard, Alice-Anne; Université Laval, Département de biologie et Centre d'études nordiques Kutz, Susan; University of Calgary Ducrocq, Julie;Draft Calgary University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Beckmen, Kimberlee; Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation Brodeur, Vincent; Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec Campbell, Mitch; Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment Croft, Bruno; Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources Cuyler, Christine; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Davison, Tracy; Government of the Northwest Territories in Inuvik, Department of ENR Elkin, Brett; Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources Giroux, Tina; Athabasca Denesuline Né Né Land Corporation Kelly, Allicia; Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources Russell, Don; Environnement Canada Taillon, Joëlle; Université Laval, Département de biologie et Centre d'études nordiques Veitch, Alasdair; Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources Côté, Steeve D.; Université Laval, Département de Biologie and Centre of Northern Studies COMPARATIVE < Discipline, parasite, caribou, Rangifer tarandus, helminth, Keyword: arthropod, monitoring https://mc06.manuscriptcentral.com/cjz-pubs Page 1 of 46 Canadian Journal of Zoology 1 Variation in the intensity and prevalence of macroparasites in migratory caribou: a quasi-circumpolar study Alice-Anne Simard, Susan Kutz, Julie Ducrocq, Kimberlee Beckmen, Vincent Brodeur, Mitch Campbell, Bruno Croft, Christine Cuyler, Tracy Davison, Brett Elkin, Tina Giroux, Allicia Kelly, Don Russell, Joëlle Taillon, Alasdair Veitch, Steeve D. -
A Global Study of Forensically Significant Calliphorids: Implications for Identification
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) A global study of forensically significant calliphorids: Implications for identification M.L. Harveya, S. Gaudieria, M.H. Villet and I.R. Dadoura Abstract A proliferation of molecular studies of the forensically significant Calliphoridae in the last decade has seen molecule-based identification of immature and damaged specimens become a routine complement to traditional morphological identification as a preliminary to the accurate estimation of post-mortem intervals (PMI), which depends on the use of species-specific developmental data. Published molecular studies have tended to focus on generating data for geographically localised communities of species of importance, which has limited the consideration of intraspecific variation in species of global distribution. This study used phylogenetic analysis to assess the species status of 27 forensically important calliphorid species based on 1167 base pairs of the COI gene of 119 specimens from 22 countries, and confirmed the utility of the COI gene in identifying most species. The species Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya megacephala, Ch. saffranea, Ch. albifrontalis and Calliphora stygia were unable to be monophyletically resolved based on these data. Identification of phylogenetically young species will require a faster-evolving molecular marker, but most species could be unambiguously characterised by sampling relatively few conspecific individuals if they were from distant localities. Intraspecific geographical variation was observed within Ch. rufifacies and L. cuprina, and is discussed with reference to unrecognised species. 1. Introduction The advent of DNA-based identification techniques for use in forensic entomology in 1994 [1] saw the beginning of a proliferation of molecular studies into the forensically important Calliphoridae.