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Qu Y, Wang B, Deng J, Feng Y, Pi Z, Ren L, Cai J. Geographical Distribution and Multimethod Species Identification of Forensically Important Necrophagous Flies on Hainan Island. INSECTS 2023; 14:898. [PMID: 37999097 PMCID: PMC10672153 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology offers unique advantages for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation of decomposed corpses in forensic investigations. Accurate species identification and up-to-date locality information are essential. Hainan Island has a tropical rainforest climate and a vast territory. In this study, the community structure of necrophagous flies on Hainan Island was investigated in detail according to geographical environment. The results showed that the dominant species included C. megacephala, S. peregrina, C. rufifacies, S. misera, H. ligurriens, S. sericea, S. cinerea, S. dux, C. pinguis, and M. domestica. Furthermore, C. rufifacies and C. villeneuvi were found only in the high-altitude areas of Wuzhi Mountain, while S. cinerea was distributed only in coastal areas; the latter is a representative species of Hainan Island and has not been reported before. Furthermore, a GenBank database of forensically important flies was established, whilst a high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis was applied to identify the common species of Hainan Island for the first time. This study enriches the database of forensically important flies in tropical rainforest regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Qu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Hainan Equity Judicial Expertise Center, Hainan Vocational College of Political Science and Law, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Jianqiang Deng
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China;
| | - Zhiyun Pi
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Key Lab of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 570100, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
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2
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Bini C, Giorgetti A, Iuvaro A, Giovannini E, Gianfreda D, Pelletti G, Pelotti S. A DNA-based method for distinction of fly artifacts from human bloodstains. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2155-2161. [PMID: 34191097 PMCID: PMC8523429 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fly artifacts resulting from insect activity could act as confounding factors on a crime scene and interfere with bloodstain pattern analysis interpretation. Several techniques have been proposed to distinguish fly artifacts from human bloodstains based on morphological approach and immunological assay, but a DNA-based method has not been developed so far. Even if in forensic genetic investigations the detection of human DNA is generally the primary goal, fly artifacts can provide useful information on the dynamics of crime events. The present study provides a molecular method to detect fly DNA from artifacts deposited by Calliphora vomitoria after feeding on human blood through the analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I (COI). Fly artifacts originated from digestive process and of different morphology spanning from red and brownish/light brown, circular and elliptical stains to artifacts with sperm-like tail or a tear-shaped body were collected. The COI amplification was successfully obtained in 94% of fly artifact samples. The method showed high sensitivity and reproducibility, and no human DNA contamination was observed, offering specificity for use in confirmatory test. This molecular approach permits the distinction of fly artifacts from genuine bloodstains and the identification of fly's species through the COI region sequencing by protocols usually applied in forensic genetic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iuvaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Giovannini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Denise Gianfreda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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3
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Taleb M, Tail G, Açıkgöz HN. Molecular identification of the potentially forensically relevant cluster flies Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) and Pollenia vagabunda (Meigen) (Diptera: Polleniidae) — non-recorded species in Algeria. Forensic Sci Res 2021; 7:69-77. [PMID: 35368910 PMCID: PMC8967396 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2020.1857937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cluster flies are represented by the genus Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 of the family Polleniidae Brauer and Bergenstamm, 1889. Their larvae are known to be internal parasites or predators of earthworms. Herein, we report for the first time the occurrence of the cluster flies Pollenia rudis Fabricius, 1794 and Pollenia vagabunda (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Polleniidae) on carcasses in Algeria and identify them through DNA barcoding. A region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI) was amplified and sequenced. Genetic distances were determined. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the maximum parsimony method using 10 000 bootstrap replicates. A total number of 157 adults of P. rudis were collected together with 325 adults of Pollenia vagabunda. The occurrence of Pollenia on animal carcasses does not seem to be correlated with a particular stage of decomposition. All the sequences were correctly identified using the BLASTn tool from the GenBank database and the BOLD identification engine. Intra- and interspecific sequence divergence values were less than 1% and greater than 3%, respectively. COI barcodes obtained from this study were robust enough to identify and distinguish unambiguously between P. rudis and P. vagabunda. In the tree-based analysis, the cluster flies were all assigned to their respective species separately from each other confirming the morphological identification. These results provide DNA barcodes that contribute to the growth of reference databases and allow fast and accurate identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Taleb
- Department of Population and Organism Biology, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ghania Tail
- Department of Population and Organism Biology, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
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Fuentes-López A, Rebelo MT, Romera E, López-López A, Galián J. Genetic diversity of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Iberian Peninsula based on cox1, 16S and ITS2 sequences. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The study of Diptera at the scene of a crime can provide essential information for the interpretation of evidence. Phylogeographic reconstruction could help differentiate haplotypes of a dipteran species in a geographical area, clarifying, for example, the details of a possible relocation of a corpse. In addition, inferring the ancestral areas of distribution helps to understand the current status of the species and its biogeographic history. One of the most important species in forensic entomology is Calliphora vicina Rovineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The aim of this work is to increase our knowledge of this species in the Iberian Peninsula using 464 specimens from Spain and Portugal. These samples were identified using morphological keys and by molecular methods using fragments of the cox1, 16S and ITS2 genes. The phylogeographic history of these populations was inferred from haplotype networks and the reconstruction of ancestral areas of distribution. The molecular results corroborated the morphological identifications of the samples. Phylogeographic networks showed no geographical structure, as haplotypes are shared among almost all populations. reconstruct ancestral state in phylogenies analyses showed a high rate of movement among populations, possibly related to human activity. These results suggest that this species had a very rapid and recent spatial and demographic expansion throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fuentes-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Teresa Rebelo
- Departamento de Biología Animal/Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elena Romera
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- Área de Zoología, Departamento de Agroquímica y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - José Galián
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
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Fuentes-López A, Ruiz C, Galián J, Romera E. Molecular identification of forensically important fly species in Spain using COI barcodes. Sci Justice 2019; 60:293-302. [PMID: 32381246 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Species identification with DNA barcodes has been proven to be effective on different organisms and, particularly, has become a routinely used and quite accurate tool in forensic entomology to study necrophagous Diptera species. In this study, we analysed 215 specimens belonging to 42 species of 17 genera, from 9 different Diptera families. Flies were collected in 39 Spanish localities of the Iberian Peninsula sampled across three years in the four seasons. Intraspecific variation ranged from 0 to 2.46% whereas interspecific variation fluctuated from 3.07 to 14.59%, measuring 651 pb of the cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI) gene. Neighbour-Joining analysis was carried out to investigate the molecular identification capabilities of the barcoding region, recovering almost all species as distinct monophyletic groups. The species groupings were generally consistent with morphological and molecular identifications. This work, which is the first with this intensive and extensive sampling in this area, shows that the COI barcode is an appropriate marker for unambiguous identification of forensically important Diptera in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fuentes-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Carlos Ruiz
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - José Galián
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Elena Romera
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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6
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DNA barcoding of Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen) and Piophila casei (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Piophilidae) from Algeria and the first African report of Stearibia nigriceps. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:895-902. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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7
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Gemmellaro MD, Hamilton GC, Ware JL. Review of Molecular Identification Techniques for Forensically Important Diptera. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:887-902. [PMID: 31173634 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The medico-legal section of forensic entomology focuses on the analysis of insects associated with a corpse. Such insects are identified, and their life history characteristics are evaluated to provide information related to the corpse, such as postmortem interval and time of colonization. Forensically important insects are commonly identified using dichotomous keys, which rely on morphological characteristics. Morphological identifications can pose a challenge as local keys are not always available and can be difficult to use, especially when identifying juvenile stages. If a specimen is damaged, certain keys cannot be used for identification. In contrast, molecular identification can be a better instrument to identify forensically important insects, regardless of life stage or specimen completeness. Despite more than 20 yr since the first use of molecular data for the identification of forensic insects, there is little overlap in gene selection or phylogenetic methodology among studies, and this inconsistency reduces efficiency. Several methods such as genetic distance, reciprocal monophyly, or character-based methods have been implemented in forensic identification studies. It can be difficult to compare the results of studies that employ these different methods. Here we present a comprehensive review of the published results for the molecular identification of Diptera of forensic interest, with an emphasis on evaluating variation among studies in gene selection and phylogenetic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L Ware
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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8
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Morinière J, Balke M, Doczkal D, Geiger MF, Hardulak LA, Haszprunar G, Hausmann A, Hendrich L, Regalado L, Rulik B, Schmidt S, Wägele JW, Hebert PDN. A DNA barcode library for 5,200 German flies and midges (Insecta: Diptera) and its implications for metabarcoding-based biomonitoring. Mol Ecol Resour 2019; 19:900-928. [PMID: 30977972 PMCID: PMC6851627 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study summarizes results of a DNA barcoding campaign on German Diptera, involving analysis of 45,040 specimens. The resultant DNA barcode library includes records for 2,453 named species comprising a total of 5,200 barcode index numbers (BINs), including 2,700 COI haplotype clusters without species‐level assignment, so called “dark taxa.” Overall, 88 out of 117 families (75%) recorded from Germany were covered, representing more than 50% of the 9,544 known species of German Diptera. Until now, most of these families, especially the most diverse, have been taxonomically inaccessible. By contrast, within a few years this study provided an intermediate taxonomic system for half of the German Dipteran fauna, which will provide a useful foundation for subsequent detailed, integrative taxonomic studies. Using DNA extracts derived from bulk collections made by Malaise traps, we further demonstrate that species delineation using BINs and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) constitutes an effective method for biodiversity studies using DNA metabarcoding. As the reference libraries continue to grow, and gaps in the species catalogue are filled, BIN lists assembled by metabarcoding will provide greater taxonomic resolution. The present study has three main goals: (a) to provide a DNA barcode library for 5,200 BINs of Diptera; (b) to demonstrate, based on the example of bulk extractions from a Malaise trap experiment, that DNA barcode clusters, labelled with globally unique identifiers (such as OTUs and/or BINs), provide a pragmatic, accurate solution to the “taxonomic impediment”; and (c) to demonstrate that interim names based on BINs and OTUs obtained through metabarcoding provide an effective method for studies on species‐rich groups that are usually neglected in biodiversity research projects because of their unresolved taxonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthias F Geiger
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig - Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Björn Rulik
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig - Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Johann-Wolfgang Wägele
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig - Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity, Bonn, Germany
| | - Paul D N Hebert
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Shayya S, Debruyne R, Nel A, Azar D. Forensically Relevant Blow Flies in Lebanon Survey and Identification Using Molecular Markers (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1113-1123. [PMID: 29762744 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Calliphoridae are among the first insects associated to decomposing animal remains. We have collected 1,841 specimens of three calliphorid genera: Calliphora, Lucilia, and Chrysomya, from different Lebanese localities as a first step in implementing a database of insects of forensic relevance for the country. Blow-flies are crucial for the estimation of the postmortem interval. DNA-based identification is a rapid and accurate method, often used for morphologically similar species, especially for immatures or incomplete specimens. In this study, we test the suitability of three genetic markers to identify adults and immature stages of calliphorids, viz., mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode, a region including partial sequences of mitochondrial Cyt-b-tRNAser-ND1, and second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Forty Lebanese specimens of various developmental stages (egg, larva, wandering third instar, pupa, newly emerged adult, and mature adult) were identified among the three calliphorid genera: Calliphora, Lucilia, and Chrysomya, and compared with published sequences to confirm their specific assignation. Phylogenetic analyses showed the robustness of ITS2 and COI to identify calliphorids at species level. Nevertheless, ITS2 failed to discriminate Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) from Lucilia illustris (Meigen) (Diptera, Calliphoridae), and COI had a similar issue with Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Calliphoridae). Thus, these two markers are complementary. This work contributes new nucleotide sequences for Lebanon. It is a first step in implementing a molecular database of forensic relevant insects for the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Shayya
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP, Entomologie, Paris, France
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Rafic Hariri University Campus, Hadath, Lebanon
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council of Scientific Research - Lebanon (CNRS-L)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar - Matn, Lebanon
| | - Régis Debruyne
- Service de Systématique Moléculaire, UMS 2700 - CNRS, MNHN, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP, Paris, France
| | - André Nel
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP, Entomologie, Paris, France
| | - Dany Azar
- State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar - Matn, Lebanon
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Salimi M, Rassi Y, Oshaghi M, Chatrabgoun O, Limoee M, Rafizadeh S. Temperature requirements for the growth of immature stages of blowflies species, Chrysomya albiceps and Calliphora vicina, (Diptera:Calliphoridae) under laboratory conditions. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-018-0060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Bharti M, Singh B. DNA-Based Identification of Forensically Important Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) From India. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1151-1156. [PMID: 28419283 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Correct species identification is the first and the most important criteria in entomological evidence-based postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Although morphological keys are available for species identification of adult blow flies, keys for immature stages are either lacking or are incomplete. In this study, cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) reference data were developed from nine species (belonging to three subfamilies, namely, Calliphorinae, Luciliinae, and Chrysomyinae) of blow flies from India. Seven of the nine species included in this study were found suitable for DNA-based identification using COI gene, because they showed nonoverlapping intra- (0.0-0.3%) and inter-(1.96-18.14%) specific diversity, and formed well-supported monophyletic clade in phylogenetic analysis. The remaining two species (i.e., Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Chrysomya chani Kurahashi) cannot be distinguished reliably using our database because they had a very low interspecific diversity (0.11%), and Ch. megacephala was paraphyletic with respect to Ch. chani in the phylogenetic analysis. We conclude that the COI gene is a useful marker for DNA-based identification of blow flies from India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Bharti
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India
| | - Baneshwar Singh
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284
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Yusseff-Vanegas SZ, Agnarsson I. DNA-barcoding of forensically important blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Caribbean Region. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3516. [PMID: 28761780 PMCID: PMC5531032 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct identification of forensically important insects, such as flies in the family Calliphoridae, is a crucial step for them to be used as evidence in legal investigations. Traditional identification based on morphology has been effective, but has some limitations when it comes to identifying immature stages of certain species. DNA-barcoding, using COI, has demonstrated potential for rapid and accurate identification of Calliphoridae, however, this gene does not reliably distinguish among some recently diverged species, raising questions about its use for delimitation of species of forensic importance. To facilitate DNA based identification of Calliphoridae in the Caribbean we developed a vouchered reference collection from across the region, and a DNA sequence database, and further added the nuclear ITS2 as a second marker to increase accuracy of identification through barcoding. We morphologically identified freshly collected specimens, did phylogenetic analyses and employed several species delimitation methods for a total of 468 individuals representing 19 described species. Our results show that combination of COI + ITS2 genes yields more accurate identification and diagnoses, and better agreement with morphological data, than the mitochondrial barcodes alone. All of our results from independent and concatenated trees and most of the species delimitation methods yield considerably higher diversity estimates than the distance based approach and morphology. Molecular data support at least 24 distinct clades within Calliphoridae in this study, recovering substantial geographic variation for Lucilia eximia, Lucilia retroversa, Lucilia rica and Chloroprocta idioidea, probably indicating several cryptic species. In sum, our study demonstrates the importance of employing a second nuclear marker for barcoding analyses and species delimitation of calliphorids, and the power of molecular data in combination with a complete reference database to enable identification of taxonomically and geographically diverse insects of forensic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingi Agnarsson
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
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Mashaly A, Alajmi R, Mustafa AEZ, Rady A, Alkhedir H. Species Abundance and Identification of Forensically Important Flies of Saudi Arabia by DNA Barcoding. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:837-843. [PMID: 28399228 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Because they may demonstrate characteristics of the environment where a body has been laying prior to the discovery, flies are insects of forensic interest. We investigated the fly abundance and the effect of location in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on fly species diversity that attack decomposing human and animal remains. Using baited traps deployed in each location, we collected 3,697 flies of seven species belonging to three families. Chrysomya albiceps Wiedmann represented 60.86% of the collected flies, whereas Musca domestica L. represented 25.8%; the other species made up < 6% each. To facilitate species identification by DNA barcoding, we sequenced a 710-bp "Folmer region" of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene for 22 samples from collection sites distributed through entire Saudi Arabia. The COI sequences from Musca albina Wiedmann, Musca lucidula Loew, Musca calleva Walker, Musca sorbens Wiedmann, and Physiphora alceae Preyssler were obtained for the first time. This primary study indicates that even when Folmer primers were widely used in DNA barcoding, the Folmer's region is not adequate when discriminating between Musca species, and sequencing the whole COI or other genes is required for forensic purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Mashaly
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, 61519 El Minia, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd El-Zaher Mustafa
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Rady
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Alkhedir
- Agricultural Entomology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Molecular Phytopathology and Mycotoxin Research, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Sontigun N, Sukontason KL, Zajac BK, Zehner R, Sukontason K, Wannasan A, Amendt J. Wing morphometrics as a tool in species identification of forensically important blow flies of Thailand. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:229. [PMID: 28486970 PMCID: PMC5424331 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Correct species identification of blow flies is a crucial step for understanding their biology, which can be used not only for designing fly control programs, but also to determine the minimum time since death. Identification techniques are usually based on morphological and molecular characters. However, the use of classical morphology requires experienced entomologists for correct identification; while molecular techniques rely on a sound laboratory expertise and remain ambiguous for certain taxa. Landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of insect wings has been extensively applied in species identification. However, few wing morphometric analyses of blow fly species have been published. Methods We applied a landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of wings for species identification of 12 medically and forensically important blow fly species of Thailand. Nineteen landmarks of each right wing of 372 specimens were digitised. Variation in wing size and wing shape was analysed and evaluated for allometric effects. The latter confirmed the influence of size on the shape differences between species and sexes. Wing shape variation among genera and species were analysed using canonical variates analysis followed by a cross-validation test. Results Wing size was not suitable for species discrimination, whereas wing shape can be a useful tool to separate taxa on both, genus and species level depending on the analysed taxa. It appeared to be highly reliable, especially for classifying Chrysomya species, but less robust for a species discrimination in the genera Lucilia and Hemipyrellia. Allometry did not affect species separation but had an impact on sexual shape dimorphism. Conclusions A landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of wings is a useful additional method for species discrimination. It is a simple, reliable and inexpensive method, but it can be time-consuming locating the landmarks for a large scale study and requires non-damaged wings for analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2163-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narin Sontigun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Kabkaew L Sukontason
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Barbara K Zajac
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology/Entomology, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Richard Zehner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology/Entomology, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kom Sukontason
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Wannasan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology/Entomology, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Pilli E, Agostino A, Vergani D, Salata E, Ciuna I, Berti A, Caramelli D, Lambiase S. Human identification by lice: A Next Generation Sequencing challenge. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:e71-e78. [PMID: 27289564 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and progressive advances in molecular biology techniques and the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have opened new possibilities for analyses also in the identification of entomological matrixes. Insects and other arthropods are widespread in nature and those found at a crime scene can provide a useful contribution to forensic investigations. Entomological evidence is used by experts to define the postmortem interval (PMI), which is essentially based on morphological recognition of the insect and an estimation of its insect life cycle stage. However, molecular genotyping methods can also provide an important support for forensic entomological investigations when the identification of species or human genetic material is required. This case study concerns a collection of insects found in the house of a woman who died from unknown causes. Initially the insects were identified morphologically as belonging to the Pediculidae family, and then, human DNA was extracted and analyzed from their gastrointestinal tract. The application of the latest generation forensic DNA assays, such as the Quantifiler(®) Trio DNA Quantification Kit and the HID-Ion AmpliSeq™ Identity Panel (Applied Biosystems(®)), individuated the presence of human DNA in the samples and determined the genetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pilli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Agostino
- Life Sciences Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Via Tiepolo 1, 20090 Monza, Italy
| | - Debora Vergani
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Sperimentale e Forense, Università di Pavia, Viale Forlanini, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Salata
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - Ignazio Ciuna
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Berti
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - David Caramelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simonetta Lambiase
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Sperimentale e Forense, Università di Pavia, Viale Forlanini, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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16
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Al-Shareef LA, Al-Qurashi SI. Study of some biological aspects of the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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17
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Williams KA, Lamb J, Villet MH. Phylogenetic radiation of the greenbottle flies (Diptera, Calliphoridae, Luciliinae). Zookeys 2016; 568:59-86. [PMID: 27103874 PMCID: PMC4829670 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.568.6696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The subfamily Luciliinae is diverse and geographically widespread. Its four currently recognised genera (Dyscritomyia Grimshaw, 1901, Hemipyrellia Townsend, 1918, Hypopygiopsis Townsend 1916 and Lucilia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) contain species that range from saprophages to obligate parasites, but their pattern of phylogenetic diversification is unclear. The 28S rRNA, COI and Period genes of 14 species of Lucilia and Hemipyrellia were partially sequenced and analysed together with sequences of 11 further species from public databases. The molecular data confirmed molecular paraphyly in three species-pairs in Lucilia that hamper barcode identifications of those six species. Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina were confirmed as mutual sister species. The placements of Dyscritomyia and Hypopygiopsis were ambiguous, since both made Lucilia paraphyletic in some analyses. Recognising Hemipyrellia as a genus consistently left Lucilia s.l. paraphyletic, and the occasionally-recognised (sub)genus Phaenicia was consistently paraphyletic, so these taxa should be synonymised with Lucilia to maintain monophyly. Analysis of a matrix of 14 morphological characters scored for adults of all genera and for most of the species included in the molecular analysis confirmed several of these findings. The different degrees of parasitism were phylogenetically clustered within this genus but did not form a graded series of evolutionary stages, and there was no particular relationship between feeding habits and biogeography. Because of the ubiquity of hybridization, introgression and incomplete lineage sorting in blow flies, we recommend that using a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers should be a procedural standard for medico-criminal forensic identifications of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin A. Williams
- Entomology Department, Durban Natural Science Museum, Durban, South Africa
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Lamb
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Martin H. Villet
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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18
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GilArriortua M, Saloña-Bordas MI, Cainé LM, Pinheiro F, M de Pancorbo M. Technical Note: "Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA approaches for reliable identification of Lucilia (Diptera, Calliphoridae) species of forensic interest from Southern Europe". Forensic Sci Int 2015; 257:393-397. [PMID: 26544633 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In forensic entomology, rapid and unambiguous identification of blowfly species is a critical prerequisite for accurately estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). The conventional diagnosis of cadaveric entomofauna based on external characters is hampered by the morphological similarities between species, especially in immature stages. Genetic analysis has been shown to allow precise and reliable diagnosis and delimitation of insect species. Nevertheless, the taxonomy of some species remains unresolved. This study was focused on improving the effectiveness and accuracy of analysis based on the widely used cytochrome c oxidase subunit I barcode region (COI barcode, 658 bp), complemented by other mitochondrial and nuclear regions, such as cytochrome b (Cyt-b, 307 bp) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2, 310-331 bp), for the identification of Southern European blowflies. We analyzed a total of 209 specimens, collected from 38 human corpses, belonging to three Calliphoridae genera and seven species: Chrysomya (Ch. albiceps), Calliphora (C. vicina and C. vomitoria), and Lucilia (L. sericata, L. ampullacea, L. caesar and L. illustris). These species are the most common PMI indicators in Portugal. The results revealed that unambiguous separation of species of the Lucilia genus requires different loci from the barcode region. Furthermore, we conclude that the ITS2 (310-331 bp) molecular marker is a promising diagnostic tool because its inter-specific discriminatory power enables unequivocal and consistent distinctions to be made, even between closely related species (L. caesar-L. illustris). This work also contributes new genetic data that may be of interest in performing species diagnosis for Southern European blowflies. Notably, to the best of our knowledge, we provide the first records of the Cyt-b (307 bp) locus for L. illustris and the ITS2 (310-331 bp) region for Iberian Peninsula Lucilia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite GilArriortua
- Dpto de Zoología y Biología Celular Animal. Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; BIOMICs Research Group. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marta I Saloña-Bordas
- Dpto de Zoología y Biología Celular Animal. Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; BIOMICs Research Group. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Laura M Cainé
- Delegação do Norte do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-316 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Pinheiro
- Delegação do Norte do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marian M de Pancorbo
- Dpto de Zoología y Biología Celular Animal. Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; BIOMICs Research Group. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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19
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Nakano A, Honda J. Use of DNA sequences to identify forensically important fly species and their distribution in the coastal region of Central California. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 253:1-13. [PMID: 26025701 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Forensic entomology has gained prominence in recent years, as improvements in DNA technology and molecular methods have allowed insect and other arthropod evidence to become increasingly useful in criminal and civil investigations. However, comprehensive faunal inventories are still needed, including cataloging local DNA sequences for forensically significant Diptera. This multi-year fly-trapping study was built upon and expanded a previous survey of these flies in Santa Clara County, including the addition of genetic barcoding data from collected species of flies. Flies from the families Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae were trapped in meat-baited traps set in a variety of locations throughout the county. Flies were identified using morphological features and confirmed by molecular analysis. A total of 16 calliphorid species, 11 sarcophagid species, and four muscid species were collected and differentiated. This study found more species of flies than previous area surveys and established new county records for two calliphorid species: Cynomya cadaverina and Chrysomya rufifacies. Differences were found in fly fauna in different areas of the county, indicating the importance of microclimates in the distribution of these flies. Molecular analysis supported the use of DNA barcoding as an effective method of identifying cryptic fly species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Nakano
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District, 1580 Berger Drive, San Jose, CA 95112, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Jeff Honda
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA.
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20
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Sharma M, Singh D, Sharma AK. Mitochondrial DNA based identification of forensically important Indian flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Forensic Sci Int 2014; 247:1-6. [PMID: 25499231 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An absolutely vital prerequisite in the forensic entomology cases is the estimation of post mortem interval (PMI). Due to similar morphological look, identification of the flesh fly fauna associated with the corpse is very difficult for nontaxonomists and needs professional hand to be dealt with. So, to simplify the identification process the application of 465 bp fragment of COI gene for differentiation of ten forensically significant species of flesh flies is demonstrated in this paper. Percentage nucleotide composition, genetic divergence and substitution rate were calculated by using the Maximum likelihood method. Phylogenetic analysis was done by Neighbour-joining tree constructed by using Tamura-3-parameter given in the MEGA5 software. The results show the robustness of COI gene as diagnostic marker, since its nucleotide variability enables dependable distinction to be drawn between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Sharma
- Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India
| | - Devinder Singh
- Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India.
| | - Ajay Kumar Sharma
- Vector Management Division, Defense R&D Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior 474002, India
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21
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Forensische Molekularpathologie. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-014-0975-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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22
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Thyssen PJ, de Souza CM, Shimamoto PM, Salewski TDB, Moretti TC. Rates of development of immatures of three species of Chrysomya (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared in different types of animal tissues: implications for estimating the postmortem interval. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3373-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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GilArriortua M, Saloña Bordas MI, Köhnemann S, Pfeiffer H, de Pancorbo MM. Molecular differentiation of Central European blowfly species (Diptera, Calliphoridae) using mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 242:274-282. [PMID: 25123930 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A challenging step in medical, veterinary and forensic entomology casework is the rapid and accurate identification of insects to estimate the period of insect activity (PIA), which usually approximates the post-mortem interval (PMI). The morphological identification of insect evidence is hampered by species similarities, especially at the early larval stages. However, DNA-based species identification is more accurate and reliable. In this study, we improved the suitability and efficacy of the standard mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode region of 658 bp combined with an additional region of 616 bp of the same gene. We also tested the usefulness of other mitochondrial and nuclear loci, such as the non-coding region included in mitochondrial Cyt-b-tRNA(ser)-ND1 (495-496 bp) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (310-337 bp). We classified a total of 54 specimens from five blowfly species belonging to three Calliphoridae genera commonly found in Central Europe: Phormia (P. regina), Calliphora (C. vicina) and Lucilia (L. sericata, L. ampullacea and L. caesar). Additionally included were the Cyt-b (307 bp) sequences for P. regina species and GenBank recorded information about the studied loci for select species. The results revealed the robustness of COI (616 bp) and ITS2 (310-337 bp) as diagnostic tools to be added to the widely established COI barcode (658 bp). Their higher discriminatory power allows for more precise and reliable identifications, even within more complex genera (Lucilia). This work also contributes new nucleotide sequences that are useful for accurate species diagnosis and new sequence data of Calliphoridae interspecific variability in the European Westphalia region (Germany).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite GilArriortua
- Dpto. de Zoología y Biología Celular Animal, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; BIOMICs Research Group, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marta I Saloña Bordas
- Dpto. de Zoología y Biología Celular Animal, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; BIOMICs Research Group, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Stephan Köhnemann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Münster University, Röngenstrasse 23, 48129 Münster, Germany
| | - Heidi Pfeiffer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Münster University, Röngenstrasse 23, 48129 Münster, Germany
| | - Marian M de Pancorbo
- BIOMICs Research Group, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Centro de Investigación "Lascaray" Ikergunea, Avda. Miguel de Unamuno 3, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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24
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Moore HE, Adam CD, Drijfhout FP. Identifying 1st instar larvae for three forensically important blowfly species using "fingerprint" cuticular hydrocarbon analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 240:48-53. [PMID: 24815992 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Calliphoridae are known to be the most forensically important insects when it comes to establishing the minimum post mortem interval (PMImin) in criminal investigations. The first step in calculating the PMImin is to identify the larvae present to species level. Accurate identification which is conventionally carried out by morphological analysis is crucial because different insects have different life stage timings. Rapid identification in the immature larvae stages would drastically cut time in criminal investigations as it would eliminate the need to rear larvae to adult flies to determine the species. Cuticular hydrocarbon analysis on 1st instar larvae has been applied to three forensically important blowflies; Lucilia sericata, Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that each species holds a distinct "fingerprint" hydrocarbon profile, allowing for accurate identification to be established in 1-day old larvae, when it can be challenging to apply morphological criteria. Consequently, this GC-MS based technique could accelerate and strengthen the identification process, not only for forensically important species, but also for other entomological samples which are hard to identify using morphological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Moore
- Department of Chemical Ecology, School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Craig D Adam
- School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- Department of Chemical Ecology, School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK.
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25
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Applicability of partial characterization of cytochrome oxidase I in identification of forensically important flies (Diptera) from China and Egypt. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2667-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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26
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Using the developmental gene bicoid to identify species of forensically important blowflies (Diptera: calliphoridae). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:538051. [PMID: 23586044 PMCID: PMC3613069 DOI: 10.1155/2013/538051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Identifying species of insects used to estimate postmortem interval (PMI) is a major subject in forensic entomology. Because forensic insect specimens are morphologically uniform and are obtained at various developmental stages, DNA markers are greatly needed. To develop new autosomal DNA markers to identify species, partial genomic sequences of the bicoid (bcd) genes, containing the homeobox and its flanking sequences, from 12 blowfly species (Aldrichina grahami, Calliphora vicina, Calliphora lata, Triceratopyga calliphoroides, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya pinguis, Phormia regina, Lucilia ampullacea, Lucilia caesar, Lucilia illustris, Hemipyrellia ligurriens and Lucilia sericata; Calliphoridae: Diptera) were determined and analyzed. This study first sequenced the ten blowfly species other than C. vicina and L. sericata. Based on the bcd sequences of these 12 blowfly species, a phylogenetic tree was constructed that discriminates the subfamilies of Calliphoridae (Luciliinae, Chrysomyinae, and Calliphorinae) and most blowfly species. Even partial genomic sequences of about 500 bp can distinguish most blowfly species. The short intron 2 and coding sequences downstream of the bcd homeobox in exon 3 could be utilized to develop DNA markers for forensic applications. These gene sequences are important in the evolution of insect developmental biology and are potentially useful for identifying insect species in forensic science.
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Marked for life: muscle attachment site patterns in blowfly larvae are constant throughout development. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:347-55. [PMID: 23052773 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The muscular attachment sites (MAS) of blowfly larvae can be visualised as "dots" by removing and staining the cuticle. Each segment bears several rows of MAS. The silhouettes of a subset of those rows in the second, third, and fourth segments were previously shown to be specific for four species of L3 blowfly larvae. In this investigation, the MAS patterns are described for a fifth species (Protophormia terraenovae) and throughout larval development of Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria. The patterns of P. terraenovae show considerable differences to those of the Calliphora species (larger MAS, characteristic "M" shape in row 4A), thus providing further evidence for the viability of the method as tool for species determination. Larvae with a body length of only 3 mm already show a complete set of MAS expressing identical pattern characteristics as L3 larvae with maximal body length. These characteristics are largely unchanged throughout development. Plotting the row length as a function of the body length throughout development reveals a linear correlation. Therefore, in case of requirement (e.g. fragmentation), not only the species but also the approximate larval age can be calculated with this method.
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28
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Sonet G, Jordaens K, Braet Y, Desmyter S. Why is the molecular identification of the forensically important blowfly species Lucilia caesar and L. illustris (family Calliphoridae) so problematic? Forensic Sci Int 2012; 223:153-9. [PMID: 22964163 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Species of the fly genus Lucilia are commonly used in forensic investigations to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). Two close-related species Lucilia caesar and L. illustris are difficult to identify. Previous studies showed that the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker could be used to identify many Lucilia species. However, mixed results were obtained for L. caesar and L. illustris due to some European specimens showing identical haplotypes. Here, we investigated 58 new European male specimens of L. illustris and L. caesar whose morphological identifications were checked and for which COI fragments were sequenced. In addition, two other mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and 16S) and two nuclear (internal transcribed spacer 2 and 28S ribosomal RNA) markers were obtained for a subset of these samples. For each marker, genetic divergence within each species was in the same range as between species, confirming the close relationship between both species. Moreover, for each of the gene fragments, both species shared at least one haplotype/genotype. Hence, none of the molecular markers tested could be used, alone or in combination, to discriminate between L. illustris and L. caesar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gontran Sonet
- Joint Experimental Molecular Unit, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium.
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Samarakoon U, Skoda SR, Baxendale FP, Foster JE. A molecular key for the identification of blow flies in southeastern Nebraska. J Forensic Sci 2012; 58:173-8. [PMID: 22563809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immature blow flies (Calliphoridae) are typically the first colonizers of cadavers. Identification of the early instars using traditional, morphology-based keys is difficult because of their small size, similarity, and simplicity in external morphology. Information derived from molecular genetic data would augment the accurate identification of immature flies. Nine species of blow flies commonly found in southeastern Nebraska were used to examine the utility of molecular-based keys. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) were investigated with 10 common, inexpensive, restriction enzymes from an amplicon of approximately 1500 bp spanning the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. A simple molecular taxonomic key, comprising RFLP from the restriction enzymes HinfI and DraI, enabled the differentiation of all species used. Further development of PCR-RFLP, including more extensive and intensive examination of blow flies, would benefit forensic laboratories in the accurate identification of evidence consisting of immature blow flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upeka Samarakoon
- Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, USA
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Boehme P, Amendt J, Zehner R. The use of COI barcodes for molecular identification of forensically important fly species in Germany. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2325-32. [PMID: 22186975 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based insect identification has become a routine and accurate tool in forensic entomology. In the present study, we demonstrate the utility of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene "barcoding region" as a universal marker for molecular identification of forensically important Diptera. We analyzed 111 specimens belonging to 13 species originating from Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Calliphoridae: Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia ampullacea, Lucilia caesar, Lucilia illustris, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia silvarum, Phormia regina, Protophormia terraenovae; Piophilidae: Parapiophila vulgaris; Muscidae: Hydrotaea dentipes, Hydrotaea ignava, Hydrotaea similis). Intraspecific variation ranged from 0 to 1.17% and interspecific variation occurred between 1.17% and 15.21%. Although differences within species were generally less than among species, divergence percentages overlapped due to low interspecific nucleotide divergence of the recently separated sister species L. caesar and L. illustris. However, all species formed distinct monophyletic clades and thus the cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) barcode has been shown suitable for clear differentiation and identification of forensically relevant Diptera in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Boehme
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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A SNaPshot™ assay for the identification of forensically important blowflies. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2011.09.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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