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At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Effects of temperature on development of Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and use of developmental data in determining time intervals in forensic entomology.

Precise developmental data for forensic indicator blow fly species are essential for accuracy in the estimate of the post-mortem interval (PMI). Why, then, does the determination of the PMI result in conflicting time frames when published conspecific developmental data are used? To answer this question, we conducted constant temperature trials between the developmental minimum temperature and upper threshold temperatures (8-32 degrees C) on the forensically important blow fly species Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Flies were reared using two designs to quantify sources of variation. We measured rearing container temperatures and internal growth chamber temperatures by using thermocouples to accurately record temperatures experienced by larvae and to construct a degree-day model. Differences in experimental design, as seen across temperature studies for this fly species, did not significantly impact larval development. We also found that using set chamber temperatures rather than rearing container temperatures altered the final degree-day model. Using any minimum threshold (including an empirically determined true minimum) other than that from linear interpolation (x-intercept) violated degree-day assumptions and invalidated estimates of the PMI. We observed the minimum developmental temperature to be higher (14 degrees C) than that generated under the x-intercept method (5.46 degrees C) by using data from oviposition to adult emergence. This difference along with the noted difference in accumulated degree-days (using different base temperatures) suggests a need for additional experimentation on other forensically important fly species at low temperature thresholds to help with development of curvilinear models. Former and current estimates of the PMI may be inaccurate if the process to determine the time frame ignored degree-day model assumptions or was based upon questionable data sets.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Interdisciplinary workshop yields new entomological data for forensic sciences: Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) established in North Carolina.

ABSTRACT Workshops are used for educating law enforcement personnel on the application of entomological, anthropological, and botanical techniques to gather forensically important information from a body recovery site. From 8 to 11 June 2004, such a workshop was conducted in the metropolitan area of Charlotte, NC, by the American Academy of Applied Forensics at Central Piedmont Community College. For this workshop, three pig carcasses weighing individually between 40 and 60 kg were placed in the field 4 June, whereas three pigs similar in size were placed in the field 7 June. During the afternoon session on 11 June, workshop participants collected three Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) third instar larvae from a pig carcass placed in the field on 7 June. These data represent the first records of this forensically important insect in North Carolina; furthermore, these data provide evidence of this species expansion into new geographic regions of the United States. This finding is an example of the benefits derived from an experiential and interdisciplinary approach to educating death scene investigators. Learners acquired new knowledge, put it into practice through the "body" recovery exercise, and ultimately contributed to science by way of the discovery and first documentation of a forensically important insect previously not known to inhabit North Carolina.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Molecular identification of forensically important blow fly species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Taiwan.

Forensic entomology is a discipline that mainly uses insects collected in and around corpses to estimate the post-mortem interval in medicocriminal investigations. Among all scavenger and necrophagous insect groups that are related to corpses, blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are probably most important, not only because they occur in abundant numbers but also because they are one of the earliest groups to find corpses. However, most entomological evidence is strongly dependent on accurate species identification. Because identification allows the proper developmental data and distribution ranges to be applied in criminal investigations, species in Taiwan were surveyed from early 2000 and were identified using molecular data. Currently, eight species have been identified: Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya pinguis (Walker), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann), Lucilia bazini Séguy, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), Lucilia hainanensis Fan, and Lucilia prophyrina (Walker). We focused on classifying these blow fly species to establish a knowledge basis for further forensic entomological research in Taiwan. Because molecular data are helpful in identifying insect specimens, especially when no specimen of suitable condition for morphological identification is obtained, we extracted mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA of the preceding blow fly species to study its application value for their differentiation. The cloning and sequencing of the COI gene (approximately 1,588 base pairs) of these eight species were completed, and the data were analyzed. Preliminary results revealed the high support of congeneric groupings of species by using COI data; these sequences were also shown to be highly conserved within the same species. To actually use the database of COI sequences under various specimen conditions, specific primers were also applied for different insect stages, different segments of adults, and specimens preserved for various times. A molecular primer key was ultimately constructed for the purpose of rapid and accurate species identification at the molecular level regardless of which stage or which part of a blow fly specimen is collected.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Pour-on formulation of eprinomectin for cattle: fecal elimination profile and effects on the development of the dung-inhabiting Diptera Neomyia cornicina (L.) (Muscidae).

The plasma and fecal concentrations of eprinomectin were determined in cattle following topical administration at a dose rate of 0.5 mg kg(-1). The maximum plasma concentrations of 12.24 ng ml(-1) occurred 2 d after administration, and eprinomectin remained detectable in plasma 29 d after administration (0.10 ng ml(-1)). The maximum dung concentration of 350 ng g(-1) was observed 3 d after administration and thereafter for at least 29 d (4 ng g(-1)). The amount of drug recovered in dung during this period was 20.50%+/-4.31% of the total administered dose. The effects of eprinomectin against the nontarget dung-feeding Diptera Neomyia cornicina was assessed under laboratory conditions. Feces voided by cattle treated with eprinomectin were associated with high larval mortality during the first 12 d after treatment, with null emergence until day 7. The no-observed-effect concentration for N. cornicina was estimated to be close to 7+/-5 ng g(-1).

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Not Just an empty cavity: the inter-rhabdomeral space in the Jamaican cavefly Neoditomyia farri (Diptera, Mycetophilidae).

Contrary to most other Diptera, the inter-rhabdomeral spaces of the retina of the Jamaican cavefly Neoditomya farri are filled neither by extracellular matrix nor dense cytoplasmic material. Instead, a foamy organization of loose vacuoles, measuring approximately 0.7 microm in diameter, appears to keep the rhabdomeres of retinula cells 7 and 8 in place. The vacuoles are bounded by membranes and traces of actin, determined immunocytochemically, are present. The origin of the vacuoles is unclear, but evidence in support of a retinula cell rather than cone cell origin is advanced.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Mechanical transmission of Rift Valley fever virus by hematophagous Diptera.

Experimental studies were conducted to determine if hematophagous Diptera were capable of mechanical transmission of Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus to laboratory animals. All species tested (Glossina morsitans, Aedes aegypti, Aedes taeniorhynchus, Culex pipiens, Stomoxys calcitrans, Lutzomyia longipalpis, and Culicoides variipennis) mechanically transmitted the virus to hamsters. Mechanical transmission rates for G. morsitans ranged from 0-100%, with the probability of mechanical transmission positively correlated with initial viremia titer and negatively correlated with the time after virus exposure. Mechanical transmission of RVF virus to lambs was demonstrated with both G. morsitans and Cx. pipiens. These findings demonstrated that mechanical transmission of RVF virus by hematophagous flies may contribute to the natural transmission and dissemination of this virus.

Aedes↗
PubMed2006

Bartonella spp. in deer keds, Lipoptena mazamae (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), from Georgia and South Carolina, USA.

Deer keds, Lipoptena mazamae (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), were collected from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and humans in Georgia and South Carolina, USA (1 October 2001-6 January 2005) and screened for the presence of DNA from Bartonella spp. Forty deer keds were screened for Bartonella spp. by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific to the riboflavin synthase gene (ribC) of Bartonella. Bartonella species closely related to Bartonella schoenbuchensis and to the etiologic agent of cat-scratch disease (Bartonella henselae) were detected in 10 keds and one ked, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Diptera--ovary structure and oogenesis in midges and flies.

Comparative study of ovary development and oogenesis in the dipterans revealed significant differences between the Nematocera (lower dipterans, midges) and the Brachycera (true flies). The occurrence of these differences emphasizes well the phylogenetic division of the Diptera into these major subgroups. Basic discrepancies were found in the course of ovary development and in the mode of follicular cell differentiation. In contrast to more advanced flies, in midges the initial stages of germ cell differentiation, i.e. divisions of gonial cells, germ cell cluster formation and diversification of cystocytes within clusters take place exclusively in the larval and early pupal stages. Moreover, the formation of cystocyte clusters precedes that of ovarioles. Differences in the behaviour of some follicular cells found between the ovarian follicles of midges and advanced flies suggest that both major dipteran subgroups may differ in the scenario and/or the mechanisms of terminal signalling leading to the determination of the anteriormost part of the body.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of morphine in decomposing bodies on the development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

This study concerns the effects of morphine in tissues on the rate of development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using those tissues as a food source. Lucilia sericata is a species of fly commonly found on human corpses in Europe during the early stages of decomposition and thus of forensic interest. Three rabbits were administered 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/h of morphine chlorhydrate via ear perfusion over a period of 3 h. These dosages and duration of perfusion were calculated to give tissue concentrations of morphine similar to those encountered in fatal human overdoses. A fourth rabbit was used as a control. Following administration of the drug, rabbits were sacrificed and 400 eggs of Lucilia sericata, all of the same age, were placed in the eyes, nostrils and mouth of each rabbit. Developing larvae were sampled daily to determine growth rate and weight. Puparia and emerging adult flies were also sampled. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's T-test. Results of this study show that an underestimation of the postmortem interval of 24 h is possible if the presence of morphine in tissues is not considered. This study demonstrates again the necessity of considering the possible effects of drugs in tissues on insect growth rates when estimating the postmortem interval using entomological techniques.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) established in the vicinity of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.

The hairy maggot blow fly, Chrsomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was collected in large numbers as both adults and immatures in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area during 1998 and is likely established there. The distribution of this species in the Old World, isothermal data, and its collection from mid-Michigan during 1998 suggest that it will eventually occupy most of the U.S. The forensic importance of C. rufifacies makes it probable that it will factor into an increasing number of medicolegal cases, but the expanding distribution of this species decreases its utility as a geographic indicator when postmortem movement of decedents is suspected.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Determination of drug levels in larvae of Protophormia terraenovae and Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared on rabbit carcasses containing morphine.

Two species of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were reared on tissues from rabbits administered different dosages of morphine. These species, Protophormia terraenovae and Calliphora vicina are among the first wave of insects colonizing a dead body. Two series of 3 rabbits were given dosages of 10, 20, and 40 mg/h of morphine over a 3 h period via ear artery perfusion. A morphine blood level plateau was attained after 1 h of perfusion. Two other rabbits were used as controls. Samples of tissues collected from rabbits using a coelioscopic technique were determined to have morphine concentrations similar to those encountered in human overdoses and were correlated with dosages of morphine administered. All samples from control rabbits were negative for morphine. Larvae and puparia of both species were regularly collected from each rabbit for toxicological analysis. Concentrations of morphine in larvae reared on rabbit carcasses containing morphine were significantly lower than concentrations found in the tissues. There was a decrease in concentration in morphine observed in transition from feeding 3rd instar larva to puparium. A correlation between larval concentration and tissue concentration was found only in feeding 3rd instar larvae.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Diptera Brachycera horse parasites in a stable/manège in northern Italy.

The presence of tabanids and muscoid fly (Diptera Brachycera) parasites of horses in a stable/manège near Verona (Northern Italy) is reported. Tabanus quatuornotatus, T. glaucopis, T. exclusus, Hybomitra muehlfeldi, Haematopota pandazisi, Stomoxys calcitrans and Haematobia irritans were the blood-sucking species directly found on horses. Musca domestica, Ophyra sp. and Fannia canicularis were the flies most frequently collected by sticky traps in the stable.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

New record of cluster fly Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) with distribution of all known blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of Saudi Arabia.

During a survey of dipterous flies from Riyadh province, a newly recorded of the cluster fly Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were collected from Saudi Arabia for the first time. A total of 2 males and 3 females were collected from Wadi Haniffa, Riyadh City during the period from February to March 1999 using an aerial net. Data on the morphology, veterinary importance, biology and geographical distribution are presented. Blow-flies lift up to 17 taxa known from the country. A summary of the zoogeographical check up to the 17 species, is presented with widespread distribution for each species.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Action of some micronutrients on the infestation and yield components of faba bean by the aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Aphididae, Homoptera) and the leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Agromyzidae, Diptera).

Field experiments were carried out in the two growing seasons of 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 on faba bean (Vicia faba) plants in the Experimental Farm of Agriculture Research Station at Nubaria region, Alexandria, which is considered as a newly reclaimed calcareous soil. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of spraying faba bean plants with certain micronutrients, i.e. Iron, Manganese and Zinc either in single double or triple combinations on the infestation by the aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Aphididae, Homoptera) and the leaf miner, Liriomyza trfolü (Burgess) (Agromyzidae, Diptera). The infestation by these insects was assessed using the parameters of Infestation grades as well as the injury indices. Faba bean plants cv. Giza Blanca were sprayed twice (45 and 66 days) after planting with the above-mentioned micronutrients. However, results of this investigation showed, with no doubt, that Mn, Zn and Fe individually or in double or triple combinations have increased to varied extents the infestation rates (%) of faba bean plants compared to the untreated ones. Such varied increases were mainly due to the metabolic roles of the used foliar sprays and their interactions, which indirectly affect the physio-biological actions of plants that may render them suitable for either A. craccivora or L. trifoii reproduction. This phenomenon might be also due to the different environmental factors. In both seasons, the relationship between nutrients applications and pests Infestation followed the same trend of increase in the percentages of infested plants. This assures and confirms the constant metabolic roles of such micronutrients. The biological seed weight (ton/fed.) was positively affected by the application of the used micronutrients. It is worth mentioning that the maximum response was observed in case of the triple treatment followed by the double and single treatments in a descending order. Application of the investigated micronutrients alone or in mixtures resulted in significant increases in yield and its components. Such increases were due to the fact that ions of Zn, Fe and Mn are cofactors of several enzymes, but rarely if ever with a high degree of specificity.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) colonization of pig carrion in south Georgia.

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), is thought to colonize corpses 20-30 days postmortem. However, recent observations indicate this might not be true for all cases. Therefore, we conducted a study examining colonization by the black soldier fly and other Diptera on pig carrion in a plowed field in southern Georgia from 20 September through 21 February. Our data indicate black soldier flies could colonize a corpse within the first week after death. Knowing this information could prevent a serious mistake in estimating the time at which a corpse is colonized by this species. This study also represents the first record of Chrysomya rufifacies in Georgia.

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