Calliphora vicina
Encyclopedia
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow-flies and bottle flies. These flies are important in the field of forensic entomology
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
C. vicina is known as a blue bottle fly because of the metallic blue-gray coloration of its thorax
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
s at the base of the coxa
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
C. vicina goes through five generations in a year at a threshold temperature of 27˚ C (81˚ F). A female C. vicina can lay up to 300 eggs, on fresh carrion or on open wounds. The larva
e go through three instar
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
in a criminal case.
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow-flies and bottle flies. These flies are important in the field of forensic entomology
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
C. vicina is known as a blue bottle fly because of the metallic blue-gray coloration of its thorax
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
s at the base of the coxa
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
C. vicina goes through five generations in a year at a threshold temperature of 27˚ C (81˚ F). A female C. vicina can lay up to 300 eggs, on fresh carrion or on open wounds. The larva
e go through three instar
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.BCSO Identification - Entomology - Blowfly Life Cycle
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
in a criminal case.
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow-flies and bottle flies. These flies are important in the field of forensic entomology
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
C. vicina is known as a blue bottle fly because of the metallic blue-gray coloration of its thorax
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
s at the base of the coxa
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
C. vicina goes through five generations in a year at a threshold temperature of 27˚ C (81˚ F). A female C. vicina can lay up to 300 eggs, on fresh carrion or on open wounds. The larva
e go through three instar
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.BCSO Identification - Entomology - Blowfly Life Cycle
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
in a criminal case.
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.Lang MD, Allen GR, Horton BJ. Blowfly succession from possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) carrion in a sheep-farming zone. Med Vet Entomol. 2006 Dec;20(4):445-52.
Species composition and seasonal succession of saprophagous calliphorids in a rural area of Córdoba: Argentina. Biol Res. 2007;40(2):163-71. Epub 2007 Nov 21 This puts their flight activity threshold at above 55-60° F (13-16° C), a lower temperature than most other blow-flies. Knowing the threshold temperature allows the entomologist to calculate accumulated degree day
s, which in turn helps determine PMI.
Some knowledge regarding C. vicina behavior is well known. Case studies have shown that it is not the first species in arrival. However, it does appear one to two days before Phaenicia sericata. However, determining PMI is an intricate process because there is still much that we do not know about C. vicina behavior. For instance, it is a long held belief that the species is not nocturnally active. Recently, however, it has been shown that C. vicina is indeed active at night under certain experimental conditions.
Forensic entomology
Forensic entomology is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. It is primarily associated with death investigations; however, it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an incident, and find the presence and time of the...
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
Taxonomy
C. vicina was described by the French entomologist Jean-Baptiste Robineau-DesvoidyJean-Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy
André Jean Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy was a French physician and entomologist specialising in the study of Diptera and to some extent of the Coleoptera .-Achievements:...
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
Description
Thorax
The thorax is a division of an animal's body that lies between the head and the abdomen.-In tetrapods:...
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
Blue bottle fly
The blue bottle fly or bottlebee is a common blow-fly found in most areas of the world and is the type species for the genus Calliphora.-Description:...
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
Sclerite
A sclerite is a hardened body part. The term is used in various branches of biology for various structures including hardened portions of sponges, but it is most commonly used for the hardened portions of arthropod exoskeletons....
s at the base of the coxa
Coxa
Coxa may refer to:* Theta Leonis, a star* Nickname of Brazilian soccer team Coritiba Foot Ball Club* Hip, below the lateral side of the abdomen* The short most-proximal base jointed segment of the arthropod leg...
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy is taxonomy based on the position and size of bristles on an insect or the arrangement itself. It is especially important in Diptera in which group it was formalised by Ernst August Girschner....
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
Meron
A meron or half-instanton is a Euclidean space-time solution of the Yang-Mills field equations. It is a singular non-self-dual solution of topological charge 1/2. The instanton is believed to be composed of two merons....
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
Notopleuron
The notopleuron is a region on an insect thorax. They are used in characterizing species, particularly in the Family Diptera . The notopleuron is a thoracic pleurite situated at the end of the transverse suture of Diptera.-References:* Zombori, L...
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
Lifecycle
Larva
A larva is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle...
e go through three instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
Pupa
A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago...
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
Post mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
in a criminal case.
Distribution
C. vicina are found throughout the U.S. in urban areas and are most abundant in early spring and fall where the temperatures are around 55-75˚F (13-24˚C). The species predominates in Europe and the New World, but has found its way into other countries via harbors and airports. It was first recorded in South Africa in 1965 when a specimen was collected near Johannesburg, but specimen collections have been few and sporadic since then.Post mortem interval estimation
One of the key characteristics of using blow flies in developing a post mortem intervalPost mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow-flies and bottle flies. These flies are important in the field of forensic entomology
Forensic entomology
Forensic entomology is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. It is primarily associated with death investigations; however, it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an incident, and find the presence and time of the...
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
Taxonomy
C. vicina was described by the French entomologist Jean-Baptiste Robineau-DesvoidyJean-Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy
André Jean Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy was a French physician and entomologist specialising in the study of Diptera and to some extent of the Coleoptera .-Achievements:...
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
Description
Thorax
The thorax is a division of an animal's body that lies between the head and the abdomen.-In tetrapods:...
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
Blue bottle fly
The blue bottle fly or bottlebee is a common blow-fly found in most areas of the world and is the type species for the genus Calliphora.-Description:...
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
Sclerite
A sclerite is a hardened body part. The term is used in various branches of biology for various structures including hardened portions of sponges, but it is most commonly used for the hardened portions of arthropod exoskeletons....
s at the base of the coxa
Coxa
Coxa may refer to:* Theta Leonis, a star* Nickname of Brazilian soccer team Coritiba Foot Ball Club* Hip, below the lateral side of the abdomen* The short most-proximal base jointed segment of the arthropod leg...
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy is taxonomy based on the position and size of bristles on an insect or the arrangement itself. It is especially important in Diptera in which group it was formalised by Ernst August Girschner....
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
Meron
A meron or half-instanton is a Euclidean space-time solution of the Yang-Mills field equations. It is a singular non-self-dual solution of topological charge 1/2. The instanton is believed to be composed of two merons....
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
Notopleuron
The notopleuron is a region on an insect thorax. They are used in characterizing species, particularly in the Family Diptera . The notopleuron is a thoracic pleurite situated at the end of the transverse suture of Diptera.-References:* Zombori, L...
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
Lifecycle
Larva
A larva is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle...
e go through three instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
Pupa
A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago...
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.BCSO Identification - Entomology - Blowfly Life Cycle
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
Post mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
in a criminal case.
Distribution
C. vicina are found throughout the U.S. in urban areas and are most abundant in early spring and fall where the temperatures are around 55-75˚F (13-24˚C). Case Studies in Forensic Entomology The species predominates in Europe and the New World, but has found its way into other countries via harbors and airports. It was first recorded in South Africa in 1965 when a specimen was collected near Johannesburg, but specimen collections have been few and sporadic since then. Williams KA, Villet MH. A new and earlier record of Chrysomya megacephala in South Africa, with notes on another exotic species, Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae.) African Invertebrates. 2006 Dec;47:347-50.Post mortem interval estimation
One of the key characteristics of using blow flies in developing a post mortem intervalPost mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.
Calliphora vicina is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow-flies and bottle flies. These flies are important in the field of forensic entomology
Forensic entomology
Forensic entomology is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. It is primarily associated with death investigations; however, it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an incident, and find the presence and time of the...
. C. vicina is currently one of the most entomologically important fly species because of its consistent time of arrival and colonization of the body following death.
Taxonomy
C. vicina was described by the French entomologist Jean-Baptiste Robineau-DesvoidyJean-Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy
André Jean Baptiste Robineau-Desvoidy was a French physician and entomologist specialising in the study of Diptera and to some extent of the Coleoptera .-Achievements:...
in 1830. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
vicinus 'neighbouring'.
Description
Thorax
The thorax is a division of an animal's body that lies between the head and the abdomen.-In tetrapods:...
and abdomen. It is distinguished from the commonly known C. vomitoria
Blue bottle fly
The blue bottle fly or bottlebee is a common blow-fly found in most areas of the world and is the type species for the genus Calliphora.-Description:...
by its bright orange cheeks. The blue bottle fly is approximately 10-11 mm in length. The sclerite
Sclerite
A sclerite is a hardened body part. The term is used in various branches of biology for various structures including hardened portions of sponges, but it is most commonly used for the hardened portions of arthropod exoskeletons....
s at the base of the coxa
Coxa
Coxa may refer to:* Theta Leonis, a star* Nickname of Brazilian soccer team Coritiba Foot Ball Club* Hip, below the lateral side of the abdomen* The short most-proximal base jointed segment of the arthropod leg...
are yellow or orange. By chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy
Chaetotaxy is taxonomy based on the position and size of bristles on an insect or the arrangement itself. It is especially important in Diptera in which group it was formalised by Ernst August Girschner....
, the study of bristle arrangement, Calliphorids are characterized by having black bristles on the meron
Meron
A meron or half-instanton is a Euclidean space-time solution of the Yang-Mills field equations. It is a singular non-self-dual solution of topological charge 1/2. The instanton is believed to be composed of two merons....
and two to three bristles on the notopleuron
Notopleuron
The notopleuron is a region on an insect thorax. They are used in characterizing species, particularly in the Family Diptera . The notopleuron is a thoracic pleurite situated at the end of the transverse suture of Diptera.-References:* Zombori, L...
.
The similarities between the different species of Calliphora can make identification of immature stages nearly impossible. From the first instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
to the pupa stage C. vicina is identical to that of C. vomitoria.
Lifecycle
Larva
A larva is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle...
e go through three instar
Instar
An instar is a developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt , until sexual maturity is reached. Arthropods must shed the exoskeleton in order to grow or assume a new form. Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or...
stages. The first instar hatches in approximately 24 hours after the eggs are laid. It goes through its second instar in 20 hours and its third instar in 48 hours. Under favorable conditions, the larvae feed for about three to four days. When the larvae complete their development, they disperse to find an adequate place to pupate. The C. vicina pupa
Pupa
A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago...
stage last about 11 days. At 27˚ C, C. vicina’s life cycle lasts approximately 18 days.BCSO Identification - Entomology - Blowfly Life Cycle
Climatic factors, such as temperature, are known to influence egg-laying and development of instar-larvae. In warmer weather the life cycle can last a little less, and in cooler temperatures the life cycle takes a little longer. Knowing the duration between the three instars and pupa stage and post-feeding larval dispersal can be useful to determine the post mortem interval
Post mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
in a criminal case.
Distribution
C. vicina are found throughout the U.S. in urban areas and are most abundant in early spring and fall where the temperatures are around 55-75˚F (13-24˚C). Case Studies in Forensic Entomology The species predominates in Europe and the New World, but has found its way into other countries via harbors and airports. It was first recorded in South Africa in 1965 when a specimen was collected near Johannesburg, but specimen collections have been few and sporadic since then. Williams KA, Villet MH. A new and earlier record of Chrysomya megacephala in South Africa, with notes on another exotic species, Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae.) African Invertebrates. 2006 Dec;47:347-50.Post mortem interval estimation
One of the key characteristics of using blow flies in developing a post mortem intervalPost mortem interval
Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decompostion the person is in....
estimate is the succession of insects that colonize the body. Based on the insects present at the time, a reasonable time frame for death may be established. C. vicina has its own part in the succession of the corpse.
C. vicina plays a major role in corpse colonization during the winter months, with less of a presence during the warmer months when temperature is less of a constraint. This fly has a lower threshold temperature for flight activity than other blow-flies, allowing for greater prevalence during colder periods. This period of activity must be considered when evaluating the presence or absence of this fly.
When using the age of maggots to determine the PMI, the time before arrival is an important factor. The succession of C. vicina involves the arrival of adults two days after death. Therefore, two days must be added to the maximum age determined for flies found on the body.Lang MD, Allen GR, Horton BJ. Blowfly succession from possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) carrion in a sheep-farming zone. Med Vet Entomol. 2006 Dec;20(4):445-52.
Behavior
C. vicina play an integral part in post mortem interval determination. Factors such as region, weather temperatures, time of day and conditions under which the body was found all contribute to determining a post mortem interval (PMI). To complete the calculation the entomologist must consider what is commonly known about C. vicina and integrate it with experimental data gathered from a crime scene. The entomologist must know how the blow-fly behaves specifically in the area where the body was discovered. This involves recording environment temperatures at the crime scene as well as retrieving a history of the climate in the region. C. vicina in particular is adapted to cooler temperatures, appearing most commonly in winter and less often in the summer months.Battan Horenstein M, Linhares AX, Rosso B, García MD.Species composition and seasonal succession of saprophagous calliphorids in a rural area of Córdoba: Argentina. Biol Res. 2007;40(2):163-71. Epub 2007 Nov 21 This puts their flight activity threshold at above 55-60° F (13-16° C), a lower temperature than most other blow-flies. Knowing the threshold temperature allows the entomologist to calculate accumulated degree day
Degree day
A degree day is a measure of heating or cooling. Totalized degree days from an appropriate starting date are used to plan the planting of crops and management of pests and pest control timing...
s, which in turn helps determine PMI.
Some knowledge regarding C. vicina behavior is well known. Case studies have shown that it is not the first species in arrival. However, it does appear one to two days before Phaenicia sericata. However, determining PMI is an intricate process because there is still much that we do not know about C. vicina behavior. For instance, it is a long held belief that the species is not nocturnally active. Recently, however, it has been shown that C. vicina is indeed active at night under certain experimental conditions.