The complete mitochondrial genome of a corpse related necrophagous beetle, Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of a forensically important beetle, Ptomascopus plagiatus (Coleoptera: staphylinidae: silphinae)

Ptomascopus plagiatus (Ménétriés, 1854) is a forensically important silphid species. In this study, we report on the mitochondrial genome of P. plagiatus. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. plagiatus is 17556 bp and contains 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, and a 2953 bp noncoding region. The nucleotide composition of P. plagiatus is biased toward A and T (A + T: 77.46%). Phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomic data supports that P. plagiatus is closely related to (Nicrophorus nepalensis Hope, 1831 + Nicrophorus vespilloides Herbst, 1783) within the subfamily Silphinae.

Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research

With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.

Identification of Forensically Important Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphilinidae) in China Based on COI and COII

Unambiguous and speedy necrophagous insect species identification is common task in forensic entomological study. Carrion beetles (Staphilinidae: Silphinae) belong to a small group of Coleoptera with less than 200 species worldwide. Some species are commonly found on dead body during forensic entomological investigation. Despite some species are hard to be categorized morphologically, present DNA-based technologies offer a potential identification strategy. Here, 37 carrion beetle specimens were collected from 15 locations throughout Chinese mainland. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and II (COII) genes among all specimens were successfully sequenced, which provided reliable markers for precise identification. Mostly, the interspecific distance could clarify the capability of these genes for identifying included carrion beetle species. Exceptions existed between close species in Nicrophorus genus (Fabricius 1775). The sequenced gene's phylogenetic analysis revealed that all carrion beetle specimens were correctly classified into eight genera, and most have relatively high supporting values (>90%). Our data gives genetic diversity and a reference for global forensically important carrion beetle species identification, as well as a conductive significance for future application of Chinese carrion beetles in forensic entomology.