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Thümmel L, Tintner-Olifiers J, Amendt J. A methodological approach to age estimation of the intra-puparial period of the forensically relevant blow fly Calliphora vicina via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39093723 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Estimating the age of immature blow flies is of great importance for forensic entomology. However, no gold-standard technique for an accurate determination of the intra-puparial age has yet been established. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a method to (bio-)chemically characterise material based on the absorbance of electromagnetic energy by functional groups of molecules. In recent years, it also has become a powerful tool in forensic and life sciences, as it is a fast and cost-effective way to characterise all kinds of material and biological traces. This study is the first to collect developmental reference data on the changes in absorption spectra during the intra-puparial period of the forensically important blow fly Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Calliphora vicina was reared at constant 20°C and 25°C and specimens were killed every other day throughout their intra-puparial development. In order to investigate which part yields the highest detectable differences in absorption spectra throughout the intra-puparial development, each specimen was divided into two different subsamples: the pupal body and the former cuticle of the third instar, that is, the puparium. Absorption spectra were collected with a FTIR spectrometer coupled to an attenuated total reflection (ATR) unit. Classification accuracies of different wavenumber regions with two machine learning models, i.e., random forests (RF) and support vector machines (SVMs), were tested. The best age predictions for both temperature settings and machine learning models were obtained by using the full spectral range from 3700 to 600 cm-1. While SVMs resulted in better accuracies for C. vicina reared at 20°C, RFs performed almost as good as SVMs for data obtained from 25°C. In terms of sample type, the pupal body gave smoother spectra and usually better classification accuracies than the puparia. This study shows that FTIR spectroscopy is a promising technique in forensic entomology to support the estimation of the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), by estimating the age of a given insect specimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Thümmel
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute of Legal Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Jens Amendt
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute of Legal Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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León-Morán LO, Pastor-Belda M, Viñas P, Arroyo-Manzanares N, García MD, Arnaldos MI, Campillo N. Discrimination of Diptera order insects based on their saturated cuticular hydrocarbon content using a new microextraction procedure and chromatographic analysis. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2938-2947. [PMID: 38668806 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00214h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The nature and proportions of hydrocarbons in the cuticle of insects are characteristic of the species and age. Chemical analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons allows species discrimination, which is of great interest in the forensic field, where insects play a crucial role in estimating the minimum post-mortem interval. The objective of this work was the differentiation of Diptera order insects through their saturated cuticular hydrocarbon compositions (SCHCs). For this, specimens fixed in 70 : 30 ethanol : water, as recommended by the European Association for Forensic Entomology, were submitted to solid-liquid extraction followed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, providing preconcentration factors up to 76 for the SCHCs. The final organic extract was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and GC coupled with mass spectrometry was applied to confirm the identity of the SCHCs. The analysed samples contained linear alkanes with the number of carbon atoms in the C9-C15 and C18-C36 ranges with concentrations between 0.1 and 125 ng g-1. Chrysomya albiceps (in its larval stage) showed the highest number of analytes detected, with 21 compounds, while Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina the lowest, with only 3 alkanes. Non-supervised principal component analysis and supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed and an optimal model to differentiate specimens according to their species was obtained. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of certain SCHCs within the same species depending on the stage of development or the growth pattern of the insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O León-Morán
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - M Pastor-Belda
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - P Viñas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - N Arroyo-Manzanares
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M D García
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty de Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M I Arnaldos
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty de Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - N Campillo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
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3
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Yan G, Li D, Wang G, Wu L. Diet Affects the Temperature-Size Relationship in the Blowfly Aldrichina grahami. INSECTS 2024; 15:246. [PMID: 38667376 PMCID: PMC11049999 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In warmer environments, most ectotherms exhibit a plastic reduction in body size (the temperature-size rule, TSR). However, in such environments, growth is usually accelerated and would be expected to result in maturation at a larger body size, leading to increases in fecundity, survival, and mating success, compared to maturation at a smaller size (the 'life-history puzzle'). To explore these mechanisms, we reared Aldrichina grahami at 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C, and added a nutritional challenge by using dilutions of pork liver paste to provide diets that ranged in quality from high (undiluted) to moderate (1/8), low (1/16), and poor (1/24). Larvae were randomly sampled for weighing from hatching. Growth curves were fitted to the relationships between growth rate and weight for the third instar larvae. Our results showed that body size was affected by an interaction between temperature and diet, and that following or not following the TSR can vary depending on underfeeding. Moreover, when the TSR was followed as temperature increased, there was a cross-over point that divided the two growth curves into early and later stages, which could be used to help understand the life-history puzzle in warmer temperatures, with the instantaneous growth rate being faster in the early stages of development and then slower in later stages. This study reminds us that animals have evolved to cope with multiple simultaneous environmental changes, and it has thus offered a better understanding of life-history puzzles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Yan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China; (G.Y.)
| | - Dandan Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China; (G.Y.)
| | - Guangshuai Wang
- Farmland Irrigation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Shangqiu Station of National Field Agro-Ecosystem Experimental Network, Shangqiu 476000, China
| | - Lingbing Wu
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Renmin Road 58, Haikou 570228, China
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Sharif S, Wunder C, Amendt J, Qamar A. Deciphering the impact of microenvironmental factors on cuticular hydrocarbon degradation in Lucilia sericata empty Puparia: Bridging ecological and forensic entomological perspectives using machine learning models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169719. [PMID: 38171456 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Blow flies (Calliphoridae) play essential ecological roles in nutrient recycling by consuming decaying organic matter. They serve as valuable bioindicators in ecosystem management and forensic entomology, with their unique feeding behavior leading to the accumulation of environmental pollutants in their cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), making them potential indicators of exposure history. This study focuses on CHC degradation dynamics in empty puparia of Lucilia sericata under different environmental conditions for up to 90 days. The three distinct conditions were considered: outdoor-buried, outdoor-above-ground, and indoor environments. Five predominant CHCs, n-Pentacosane (n-C25), n-Hexacosane (n-C26), n-Heptacosane (n-C27), n-Octacosane (n-C28), and n-Nonacosane (n-C29), were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings revealed variations in CHC concentrations over time, influenced by environmental factors, with significant differences at different time points. Correlation heatmap analysis indicated negative correlations between weathering time and certain CHCs, suggesting decreasing concentrations over time. Machine learning techniques Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models explored the potential of CHCs as age indicators. SVM achieved an R-squared value of 0.991, demonstrating high accuracy in age estimation based on CHC concentrations. MLP also exhibited satisfactory performance in outdoor conditions, while SVM and MLP yielded unsatisfactory results indoors due to the lack of significant CHC variations. After comprehensive model selection and performance evaluations, it was found that the XGBoost model excelled in capturing the patterns in all three datasets. This study bridges the gap between baseline and ecological/forensic use of empty puparia, offering valuable insights into the potential of CHCs in environmental monitoring and investigations. Understanding CHCs' stability and degradation enhances blow flies' utility as bioindicators for pollutants and exposure history, benefiting environmental monitoring and forensic entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaima Sharif
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India.
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Sharif S, Wunder C, Khan MK, Qamar A, Amendt J. Cuticular hydrocarbons as weathering biomarkers of empty puparia of the forensically important blowfly Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in soil v/s under room conditions. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111748. [PMID: 37301034 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology uses the age of insects, such as blow flies, to determine a minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin). Recent research has focused on using the analysis of specific cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in adult insects and their empty puparia to estimate their age, as it has been shown that their profile changes are consistent with age. The current work is based on the weathering of five CHCs from empty puparia of Calliphora vicina that were stored in soil (field/outdoor) and non-soil (room/indoor conditions) based pupariation media for a total of six months. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment chamber at a constant temperature of 25 ± 2 °C under constant darkness. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the cuticular hydrocarbons after they were extracted in n-Hexane. n-Pentacosane, n-Hexacosane, n-Heptacosane, n-Octacosane, and n-Nonacosane were the five CHCs investigated. Results showed that CHCs weathered more quickly in the soil than in the non-soil environment. It was also found that the abundance of Heptacosane increased in the samples during the fifth month when stored in a non-soil medium, while the abundances of all five CHCs were not detected after eight weeks onwards in soil pupation medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaima Sharif
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mohd Kaleem Khan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India.
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Martelli F, Falcon T, Pinheiro DG, Simões ZLP, Nunes FMF. Worker bees (Apis mellifera) deprived of pollen in the first week of adulthood exhibit signs of premature aging. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 146:103774. [PMID: 35470035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pollinator populations, including bees, are in rapid decline in many parts of the world, raising concerns over the future of ecosystems and food production. Among the factors involved in these declines, poor nutrition deserves attention. The diet consumed by adult worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) is crucial for their behavioral maturation, i.e., the progressive division of labor they perform, such as nurse bees initially and later in life as foragers. Poor pollen nutrition is known to reduce the workers' lifespan, but the underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we investigate how the lack of pollen in the diet of workers during their first week of adult life can affect age-related phenotypes. During the first seven days of adult life, newly emerged workers were fed either a pollen-deprived (PD) diet mimicking that of an older bee, or a control pollen-rich (PR) diet, as typically consumed by young bees. The PD-fed bees showed alterations in their fat body transcriptome, such as a switch from a protein-lipid based metabolism to a carbohydrate-based metabolism, and a reduced expression of genes involved with immune response. The absence of pollen in the diet also led to an accumulation of oxidative stress markers in fat body tissue and alterations in the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, which became similar to those of chronologically older bees. Together, our data indicate that the absence of pollen during first week of adulthood triggers the premature onset of an aging-related worker phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Martelli
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Falcon
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel G Pinheiro
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Zilá L P Simões
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Francis M F Nunes
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís - km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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7
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Moore H, Lutz L, Bernhardt V, Drijfhout FP, Cody RB, Amendt J. Cuticular hydrocarbons for the identification and geographic assignment of empty puparia of forensically important flies. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1791-1800. [PMID: 35217906 PMCID: PMC9576650 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Research in social insects has shown that hydrocarbons on their cuticle are species-specific. This has also been proven for Diptera and is a promising tool for identifying important fly taxa in Forensic Entomology. Sometimes the empty puparia, in which the metamorphosis to the adult fly has taken place, can be the most useful entomological evidence at the crime scene. However, so far, they are used with little profit in criminal investigations due to the difficulties of reliably discriminate among different species. We analysed the CHC chemical profiles of empty puparia from seven forensically important blow flies Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya albiceps, Lucilia caesar, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia silvarum, Protophormia terraenovae, Phormia regina and the flesh fly Sarcophaga caerulescens. The aim was to use their profiles for identification but also investigate geographical differences by comparing profiles of the same species (here: C. vicina and L. sericata) from different regions. The cuticular hydrocarbons were extracted with hexane and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results reveal distinguishing differences within the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles allowing for identification of all analysed species. There were also differences shown in the profiles of C. vicina from Germany, Spain, Norway and England, indicating that geographical locations can be determined from this chemical analysis. Differences in L. sericata, sampled from England and two locations in Germany, were less pronounced, but there was even some indication that it may be possible to distinguish populations within Germany that are about 70 km apart from one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Moore
- Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK.
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Victoria Bernhardt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Robert B Cody
- JEOL USA, Inc. 11 Dearborn Rd, Peabody, MA, 01969, USA
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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8
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Zhang X, Shang Y, Ren L, Qu H, Zhu G, Guo Y. A Study of Cuticular Hydrocarbons of All Life Stages in Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:108-119. [PMID: 34668022 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), a synanthropic flesh fly species found in different parts of the world, is of medical and forensic importance. Traditional methods of inferring developmental age rely on the life stage of insects and morphological changes. However, once the larvae reach the pupal and adult stage, morphological changes would become barely visible, so that the classic method would be invalid. Here, we studied the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of S. peregrina of the whole life cycle from larval stage to adult stage by GC-MS. Sixty-three compounds with carbon chain length ranging from 8 to 36 were detected, which could be categorized into four classes: n-alkanes, branched alkanes, alkenes, and unknowns. As developmental increased, branched alkanes dominant, and the content of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons is variable, especially for 2-methyl C19, DiMethyl C21, docosane (C22), and tricosane (C23). This study shows that the composition of CHC could be used to determine the developmental age of S. peregrina and aid in postmortem interval estimations in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongke Qu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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9
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Alotaibi F, Alkuriji M, AlReshaidan S, Alajmi R, Metwally DM, Almutairi B, Alorf M, Haddadi R, Ahmed A. Body Size and Cuticular Hydrocarbons as Larval Age Indicators in the Forensic Blow Fly, Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1048-1055. [PMID: 33274739 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) is one of the most important insects in forensic entomology. Its larval developmental and survival rates are influenced by nutritional resources, temperature, humidity, and geographical regions. The present study investigated the possibility of relying on body size and cuticular hydrocarbon composition as indicators for age estimation of the different larval instars of C. albiceps. Larvae were maintained in standardized laboratory conditions at different experimental temperatures. All larval instars (first, second, and third) were randomly collected for measuring their body sizes and for estimating their cuticular hydrocarbons at different rearing temperatures (30, 35, 40, and 45°C) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that the duration of larval stage was temperature dependent as it gradually decreased on increasing the rearing temperature (30, 35, and 40°C) except 45°C at which larval development was ceased. In contrary, larval body size, in terms of length, width, and weight, was temperature dependent as it gradually increased with larval development on increasing rearing temperature except at 45°C at which larval development was ceased. The GC-MS showed a significant difference in the extracted components of cuticular hydrocarbons between different larval instars reared in the same temperature and between the same larval instar that reared at different temperatures. Furthermore, the highest and lowest amounts of cuticular hydrocarbons were detected at 35 and 40°C, respectively. Overall, larval body size and cuticular hydrocarbon components were temperature dependent within the range 30-40°C, which may suggest them as possible reliable age indicators for estimating the postmortem interval in the field of medicolegal entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayeza Alotaibi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alkuriji
- National Center of Agricultural Technology, Life Science and Environmental Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa AlReshaidan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina M Metwally
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Bassam Almutairi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alorf
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Haddadi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, College of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
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10
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang M, Xu W, Zhang Y, Wang J. Forensic Entomology in China and Its Challenges. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12030230. [PMID: 33800343 PMCID: PMC8001280 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Forensic entomologists utilize sarcosaprophagous insect species to estimate the postmortem interval to aid death investigations. In this paper, we present the recent chronology of forensic entomology in China and illustrate how identification, development, and succession data are obtained and applied at the scale of such a large country. To overcome the difficulties and challenges forensic entomology faces in China, a number of countermeasures are provided. Abstract While the earliest record of forensic entomology originated in China, related research did not start in China until the 1990s. In this paper, we review the recent research progress on the species identification, temperature-dependent development, faunal succession, and entomological toxicology of sarcosaprophagous insects as well as common applications of forensic entomology in China. Furthermore, the difficulties and challenges forensic entomologists face in China are analyzed and possible countermeasures are presented.
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11
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de Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Mendonça A, Cardoso CAL, Andrade LHC, Lima SM, Antonialli-Junior WF. New approach to application of mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy in forensic analysis: Study with the necrophagous blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2020; 209:111934. [PMID: 32593690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects can provide clues in a variety of ways to assist in criminal investigations. The FTIR-PAS technique has been successfully used to assess the cuticular chemical profiles of insect samples from different groups and for several goals. However, until now, it has never been used to evaluate samples of forensic interest, despite providing faster results, compared to the methods currently used. In this study, mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy was employed to assess the cuticular chemical profiles of different stages of development of the blow fly Chrysomya megacephala sampled from two distinct populations. The results showed that this technique enabled detection of significant differences between the main vibrational modes of the chemical bonds present in the cuticles of the two populations and the different stages of development of the fly. The method enables identification of the age of individuals collected at the crime scene, as well as the distinction of different populations. Therefore, this methodology could assist in forensic investigations, in both estimating the Postmortem Interval and determining the location where the crime occurred, or whether the body had suffered some type of translocation. The technique provides high reproducibility and fast analysis, so its application for analysis of C. megacephala is a viable option in forensic crime investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C de Paula
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Aylson D M M Eulalio
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Angélica Mendonça
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Claudia A L Cardoso
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Luis H C Andrade
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Grupo de Espectroscopia Óptica e Fototérmica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Sandro M Lima
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Grupo de Espectroscopia Óptica e Fototérmica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
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12
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Wang S, Zhang C, Chen W, Ren L, Ling J, Shang Y, Guo Y. Effects of Methamphetamine on the Development and Its Determination in Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:691-696. [PMID: 31819957 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Age determination of necrophagous flies serves as an important tool for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation in forensic investigations. Drugs or toxins in cadavers may alter the developmental time of larvae, and lead to deviation in PMI estimation. Methamphetamine (MA), as one of the most abused psychostimulant drugs in Asia and North America, is often involved in forensic entomotoxicological cases. This study investigated the effects of MA (0, 45, 90, and 180 ng/mg) on the developmental rate, morphology, and survival of Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich, 1930). The results showed that 1) the developmental time to reach the pupal instar was statistically slower for the larvae reared on rabbit mince containing MA than for the control; 2) the mean length of the larvae exposed to MA concentrations was longer than those of the control; 3) the mean weight of the pupae exposed to the highest concentration of MA was significantly lighter than those of the control; 4) the GC-MS method can detect the content of MA in A. grahami immatures and empty puparia (EP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Ling
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Meng F, Liu Z, Han H, Finkelbergs D, Jiang Y, Zhu M, Wang Y, Sun Z, Chen C, Guo Y, Cai J. Chromosome-level genome assembly of Aldrichina grahami, a forensically important blowfly. Gigascience 2020; 9:giaa020. [PMID: 32191812 PMCID: PMC7081965 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are the most commonly found entomological evidence in forensic investigations. Distinguished from other blowflies, Aldrichina grahami has some unique biological characteristics and is a species of forensic importance. Its development rate, pattern, and life cycle can provide valuable information for the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval. FINDINGS Herein we provide a chromosome-level genome assembly of A. grahami that was generated by Pacific BioSciences sequencing platform and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology. A total of 50.15 Gb clean reads of the A. grahami genome were generated. FALCON and Wtdbg were used to construct the genome of A. grahami, resulting in an assembly of 600 Mb and 1,604 contigs with an N50 size of 1.93 Mb. We predicted 12,823 protein-coding genes, 99.8% of which was functionally annotated on the basis of the de novo genome (SRA: PRJNA513084) and transcriptome (SRA: SRX5207346) of A. grahami. According to the co-analysis with 11 other insect species, clustering and phylogenetic reconstruction of gene families were performed. Using Hi-C sequencing, a chromosome-level assembly of 6 chromosomes was generated with scaffold N50 of 104.7 Mb. Of these scaffolds, 96.4% were anchored to the total A. grahami genome contig bases. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides a robust genome reference for A. grahami that supplements vital genetic information for nonhuman forensic genomics and facilitates the future research of A. grahami and other necrophagous blowfly species used in forensic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanming Meng
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
| | - Zhuoying Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
| | - Han Han
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
| | | | - Yangshuai Jiang
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
| | - Mingfei Zhu
- Nextomics Biosciences, Wuhan, Hubei Pro, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Nextomics Biosciences, Wuhan, Hubei Pro, China
| | - Zongyi Sun
- Nextomics Biosciences, Wuhan, Hubei Pro, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
| | - Yadong Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Pro, China
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Dynamic transcriptome profiling exploring cold tolerance in forensically important blow fly, Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae). BMC Genomics 2020; 21:92. [PMID: 31996132 PMCID: PMC6988367 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6509-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a forensically important fly, which has been widely applied to practical legal investigations. Unlike other necrophagous flies, A. grahami exhibits cold tolerance which helps to maintain its activity during low-temperature months, when other species are usually not active. Hence, A. grahami is considered an important forensic insect especially in cold seasons. In this study, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance of A. grahami through transcriptome. Results We collected eggs and larvae (first-instar, second-instar and third-instar) at three different temperatures (4 °C, 12 °C and 20 °C) and performed RNA-seq analyses. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the cold-tolerance were screened out. The Venn analysis of DEGs from egg to third-instar larvae at three different temperatures showed there were 9 common genes. Candidate biological processes and genes were identified which refer to growth, and development of different temperatures, especially the chitin and cuticle metabolic process. The series-clusters showed crucial and unique trends when the temperature changed. Moreover, by comparing the results of growth and developmental transcriptomes from different temperatures, we found that DEGs belonging to the family of larval cuticle proteins (LCP), pupal cuticle protein (CUP), and heat shock proteins (HSP) have certain differences. Conclusions This study identified functional genes and showed differences in the expression pattern of diverse temperatures. The DEGs series-clusters with increasing or decreasing trends were analyzed which may play an important role in cold-tolerance. Moreover, the findings in LCP, CUP and HSP showed more possible modulations in a cold environment. This work will provide valuable information for the future investigation of the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in A. grahami.
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Lunas BM, de Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Lima-Junior SE, Antonialli-Junior WF, Cardoso CAL. Hydrocarbon and Fatty Acid Composition from Blowfly Eggs Represents a Potential Complementary Taxonomic Tool of Forensic Importance. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1720-1725. [PMID: 31674674 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important contributions of forensic entomology is to assist criminal expertise to determine the postmortem interval, which depends on the duration of the immature stages of insects of forensic interest. On the other hand, the time of development of the different stages varies according to the species; therefore, its identification is essential. Currently, few studies have investigated the use of cuticular hydrocarbons, and none regarding fatty acids, as complementary taxonomic tools to expedite species identification. Therefore, we evaluated whether cuticular hydrocarbons together with fatty acids of eggs of flies of the family Calliphoridae, main group of forensic interest, can be used to distinguish species. The analyses were performed by chromatographic techniques. The results show that there are significant differences between the composition of cuticular hydrocarbons and fatty acids between species and, therefore, they can be used to provide a complementary taxonomic tool to expedite the forensic expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belisa M Lunas
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Michele C de Paula
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sidnei E Lima-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia A L Cardoso
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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16
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Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Piva RC, Cardoso CAL, Antonialli-Junior WF. New method for estimating the post-mortem interval using the chemical composition of different generations of empty puparia: Indoor cases. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209776. [PMID: 30571776 PMCID: PMC6301778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most flies of forensic importance are in two superfamilies, the Muscoidea and the Oestroidea, with similar life stages including the puparium. Upon completion of metamorphosis the adult fly emerges from the puparium, leaving behind an exuvia that is of potential significance in forensic investigation. The empty puparium is a durable piece of entomological evidence lasting several years. Through the study of chemical compounds, specifically the hydrocarbons of these puparia, it is possible to identify the species, in addition to how long they have been exposed to weathering and for this reason, these parameters can assist forensic entomologists in estimating long-term postmortem interval (minPMI). In corpses that take a relatively longer time to decompose, insects may use the same corpses for several oviposition cycles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a new method to determine the PMI based on chemical compounds of the puparia from different oviposition cycles of the fly Chrysomya megacephala. The chemical composition of 50 puparia from different cycles of oviposition were evaluated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 60 compounds were identified ranging from C18 to C34, 38 of those were common to all generations. Our results demonstrate that chemical profiles can be used to differentiate puparia collected from successive cycles, and therefore valuable in the estimation of minPMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C. Paula
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Kamylla B. Michelutti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aylson D. M. M. Eulalio
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Raul C. Piva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia A. L. Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - William F. Antonialli-Junior
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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17
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Wang Y, Zhang YN, Liu C, Hu GL, Wang M, Yang LJ, Chu J, Wang JF. Development of Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at Constant Temperatures. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1402-1409. [PMID: 30060116 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a forensically important species mainly found in Asia and is one of the first species to colonize a corpse in early spring and late autumn when the ambient temperature is slightly lower. In this study, A. grahami was collected from the Yangtze River Delta region and reared at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34°C to investigate the indices of development duration, accumulated degree hours, and larval body length. Using these results, we generated an isomorphen diagram, thermal summation model, and isomegalen diagram for A. grahami. Equations of the variation in larval body length with time after hatching and variation in time after hatching with body length were also obtained. A. grahami can complete its life cycle in 16-28°C, while its development was incomplete at 31 and 34°C, where puparia failed to transform into adults and eggs failed to hatch, respectively. The mean (±SD) developmental durations of A. grahami from egg to adult at 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28°C were 685.5 ± 18.8, 540.3 ± 15.9, 454.3 ± 19.4, 388.8 ± 19.0, and 335.5 ± 8.7 h, respectively. The mean (±SE) developmental threshold temperature D0 and the thermal summation constant K were determined as 4.33 ± 0.21°C and 7,985.9 ± 104.5 degree hours, respectively. The results of this study provide fundamental development data for the use of A. grahami in minimum postmortem interval estimations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Y N Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - C Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - G L Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - M Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - L J Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - J Chu
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - J F Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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Estimating the age of the adult stages of the blow flies Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by means of the cuticular hydrocarbon n-pentacosane. Sci Justice 2017; 57:361-365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Warren JA, Ratnasekera TDP, Campbell DA, Anderson GS. Initial investigations of spectral measurements to estimate the time within stages of Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:205-216. [PMID: 28750303 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Current applications of forensic entomology to post-mortem interval estimations involve ageing the insects colonizing the remains based on minimum time to reach the oldest stage of development. Immature species of blow fly develop at a predictable rate to each stage of development in their lifecycle. Unfortunately, the minimum time to reach a stage of development can be a rather unrefined estimate of tenure on the body in the sometimes lengthy time frame of the later stages. In a successful attempt to narrow this time frame, daily spectral measurements of the immature stages of Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) raised at a mean temperature of 24.6°C were collected and the functional data analysis was completed. Functional regressions and coefficient functions were examined for model prediction and generalization. P. terraenovae is a Holarctic species as well as an early colonizer of human remains and is therefore, an excellent indicator species in North American death investigations. Spectral measurements can be used successfully to estimate the day of development in the third instar including post feeding stage. In the intra-puparial period, however, only the last day of development could be distinguished from the earlier days of the intra-puparial period. Distinguishing day within second instar is also possible for P. terraenovae raised at a mean temperature of 24.6°C and, although not fully within the pointwise 95% confidence interval, it still accurately predicts the day. The results of this proof of concept research are promising and show a potential method for narrowing the original death estimates and offering a better overall estimate of age of P. terraenovae larvae and, therefore; estimated time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie-A Warren
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A1S6, Canada.
| | - T D Pulindu Ratnasekera
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences,Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - David A Campbell
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences,Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Gail S Anderson
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A1S6, Canada
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20
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Warren JA, Ratnasekera TDP, Campbell DA, Anderson GS. Spectral Signatures of Immature Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8020034. [PMID: 28333104 PMCID: PMC5492048 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hyperspectral remote sensing is an innovative technology with applications in many sciences and is a non-destructive method that may offer more precise aging within development stages. Hyperspectral reflectance measurements from the anterior, midsection, and posterior of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) larvae and pupae were conducted daily from samples of the developing insects beginning at second instar. Only midsection measurements were conducted on second instar larvae due to their size, to ensure that the measurement was not of reflective surroundings. Once measured, all insects were washed with deionized water, blotted with filter paper, and re-measured. Daily age prediction during the post-feeding stage was not impacted by the unwashed insect measurements and was best predicted based on posterior measurements. The second and third instar larvae, which move about their food source, had different contributing coefficients to the functional regression model for the hyperspectral measurements of the washed compared with unwashed specimens. Although washing did not affect the daily prediction within these stages, it is still encouraged in order to decrease the effect of food source on spectral reflectance. Days within the intra-puparial period were best predicted based on anterior measurements and were not well distinguished from one another in the first few days based on midsection and posterior measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie-A Warren
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - T D Pulindu Ratnasekera
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - David A Campbell
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Gail S Anderson
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Paula MC, Antonialli-Junior WF, Mendonça A, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Cardoso CAL, de Lima T, Von Zuben CJ. Chemotaxonomic Profile and Intraspecific Variation in the Blow Fly of Forensic Interest Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:14-23. [PMID: 28082627 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw142] [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: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Necrophagous insects such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are considered crucial in forensic entomology. Identification at species level and determination of larval stage are the basis for estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Insect evidence can also be used in the determination of crime scenes, since body displacement is common. The aim of this study was to determine the chemotaxonomic profile and intraspecific variability of the forensically important blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (F. 1794). Adults were collected in the municipalities of Dourados-MS (Brazil) and Rio Claro-SP (Brazil), and then transferred to the laboratory for oviposition and development of the immature stages. Chemical analysis of cuticular compounds was performed by gas chromatography. Cuticular chemical profiles varied significantly between the two populations, as well as between developmental stages, supporting the use of these compounds as a complementary tool to help identify the species and its stages, along with geographical variability. This could greatly accelerate forensic investigations, eliminating the need to allow the fly larvae to develop until adult stage in order to confirm the species identity and sample origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C Paula
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Angélica Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago de Lima
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (; )
| | - Cláudio J Von Zuben
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (; )
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Li C, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Lin H, Zhang J, Huang P, Wang Z. Research progress in the estimation of the postmortem interval by Chinese forensic scholars. Forensic Sci Res 2016; 1:3-13. [PMID: 30483604 PMCID: PMC6197124 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2016.1229377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of time since death or the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important and frequently asked questions in forensic medicine. Medicolegal scholars and forensic pathologists around the world have studied the estimation of PMI extensively in the past, and many novel methods and advanced technologies have now been applied in the field. For several centuries, Chinese forensic examiners have also worked on the estimation of the PMI, and there are a large number of excellent studies published in Chinese rather than in English, and these are not easily accessible or known internationally. Therefore we have conducted a review of relevant studies published by Chinese forensic scholars in the last few decades. The scope of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current progress in the estimation of PMI by Chinese forensic researchers using molecular biology, spectroscopic technology, entomological methods, energy changes, thanatochemistry and other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Li
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinming Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hancheng Lin
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Voss SC, Magni P, Dadour I, Nansen C. Reflectance-based determination of age and species of blowfly puparia. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:263-274. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Bala M, Sharma A. Review of some recent techniques of age determination of blow flies having forensic implications. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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Zhu Z, Liao H, Ling J, Guo Y, Cai J, Ding Y. The complete mitochondria genome of Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2016; 1:107-109. [PMID: 33473427 PMCID: PMC7800808 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2015.1137847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldrichina grahami is a significant medical and forensic insect belonging to the family calliphoridae. In this study, we present the complete mitochondrial genome of A. grahami for the first time. The mitogenome was 14 903 bp in length, consisting of 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 13 protein-encoding genes. The overall base compositions of A, G, C and T were 39.14, 9.59, 13.65 and 37.62%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis is conducted using 12 mitochondrial genomes from two families. The monophyletic branches of the phylogenetic tree reveal that the composition of the mitochondrial genome, particularly the gene lengths, is very similar to that of another Calliphoridae fly, C. vicina, but the interspecific variations between them was 5.4%, which could distinguish these two species explicitly. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that phylogenetic analysis of whole mt genome sequences resulted in much stronger support for the identification of A. grahami between other species. This article aimed to enrich the dipteran mitochondrial genomes and provides the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analyses of A. grahami for species identifications forensic purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Zhu
- Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huidan Liao
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiang Ling
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjun Ding
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Braga MV, Pinto ZT, Queiroz MMDC, Blomquist GJ. Effect of age on cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in adult Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2016; 259:e37-47. [PMID: 26775199 PMCID: PMC5295841 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A species-specific complex mixture of highly stable cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) covers the external surface of all insects. Components can be readily analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to obtain a cuticular hydrocarbon profile, which may be used as an additional tool for the taxonomic differentiation of insect species and also for the determination of the age and sex of adult and immature forms. We used GC-MS to identify and quantify the CHCs of female and male Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from one to five days old. CHCs ranged from C21 to C35 for females and from C21 to C37 in males. Major compounds were the same for both sexes and were 2-MeC28, C29:1, n-C29, 15-,13-MeC29, 2-MeC30, C31:1, n-C31 and 15-,13-MeC31. The relative abundance of each component, however, varied with age. Cluster Analysis using Bray-Curtis measure for abundance showed that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles are a strong and useful tool for the determination of age in adult C. putoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vianna Braga
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil.
| | - Zeneida Teixeira Pinto
- Laboratório de Educação Ambiental e em Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil.
| | - Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Severino Sombra, Av. Expedicionário Oswaldo de Almeida Ramos, 280, Vassouras, RJ 27700-000, Brazil.
| | - Gary James Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CABNR, University of Nevada, Reno, MS330, 1664 North Virginia St, Office 162/145 Howard Medical Building, Reno, NV, USA.
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Kojima W. Mechanism of synchronous metamorphosis: larvae of a rhinoceros beetle alter the timing of pupation depending on maturity of their neighbours. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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