ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4921-9375
Current Organisations
South Metropolitan TAFE - Murdoch Campus
,
University of Western Australia
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Publications
Habitat preferences of the urban wall spider Oecobius navus (Araneae, Oecobiidae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-10-2007
Decomposition and insect succession on cadavers inside a vehicle environment.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-08-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-007-0028-Z
Abstract: This study presents differences in rate of decomposition and insect succession between exposed carcasses on the soil surface and those enclosed within a vehicle following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Nine 45-kg pigs were used as models for human decomposition. Six animals were sacrificed by CO gas, half of which were placed within the driver's side of separate enclosed vehicles and half were placed under scavenger-proof cages on the soil surface. A further three animals were sacrificed by captive headbolt and placed under scavenger proof cages on the soil surface. The pattern of insect succession and rate of decomposition were similar between surface carcasses within trials regardless of the mode of death. Progression through the physical stages of decomposition was 3-4 days faster in the enclosed vehicle due to higher temperatures there compared to external ambient temperatures. Patterns of insect succession also differed between the vehicle and surface treatments. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Calliphoridae was delayed within the vehicle environment by 16-18 h, while oviposition was not observed until 24-28 h following death. In contrast, attendance by Calliphoridae at surface carcasses occurred within 1 h of death, and oviposition occurred within 6-8 h of death. Typical patterns of insect succession on the carcasses were also altered. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Coleoptera occurred during the bloat stage of decomposition at surface carcasses but was delayed until the onset of wet decomposition (as defined by carcass deflation and breakage of the skin) within the vehicle environment. This study provides baseline data outlining the decomposition patterns of a carcass enclosed within a vehicle following CO poisoning in Western Australia. Understanding how variations in decomposition situations impact on the rate of decomposition and patterns of insect succession is essential to obtaining an accurate estimate of minimum post-mortem interval (PMI).
Dietary Effects on the Development of Calliphora dubia and Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae): Implications for Postmortem Interval
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-07-2020
DOI: 10.1093/JME/TJAA142
Abstract: Forensic entomology relies on insect development data generated within a laboratory setting in the estimation of minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). The methodologies used to produce these data vary considerably within the field and there is no accepted standard approach to laboratory rearing of forensically relevant species. A wide range of rearing media are used across published studies, including different species of animal and types of tissue (e.g., muscle and liver). Differing methodologies, particularly rearing diet, can introduce considerable variation into the baseline data upon which forensic estimates of the mPMI are calculated. Consequently, research establishing a widely available, standard and/or optimal, rearing medium for blow fly development for forensic application is desirable. This study examined dietary effects on the development of two forensically relevant blow fly species: Calliphora dubia Macquart, 1855, and Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart 1842 (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Larvae of both species were reared on pork liver, pork mince, pork loin, beef liver, beef mince, and guinea pig carcass under two constant temperature regimes (24 ± 1°C and 30 ± 1°C 70 ± 10% humidity 12-h/12-h photoperiod) to assess the influence of temperature on developmental response to diet. Fundamental developmental data pertaining to both species are reported. Developmental response to diet was species-specific and influenced by temperature with indication that the optimal temperature for C. dubia development is below 30°C. Pork mince was the most appropriate dietary standard of the rearing media investigated for the formulation of forensic development data for both species investigated.
Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) ability to pollinate Hass avocado trees within paired tree enclosures
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JEN.13159
Abstract: Avocado pollination remains a major focus for producers as fruit‐set is typically very low (less than 1%). Most avocado producers in Australia utilize honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) to improve yield however, there are risks with reliance on one species for future pollination security. Flies regularly visit flowers including avocado flowers. However, their pollination ability is poorly understood. To address this, visual observations of flies foraging in avocado orchards along with releases of two species of blow fly (within replicate enclosures of paired avocado trees Hass and Type B cultivars) were conducted at a commercial orchard in south‐western Western Australia. Visual observations during flowering identified that most non‐bee flower visits were by hover flies ( Melangyna viridiceps and Sphaerophoria macrogaster ) and blow flies ( Calliphora vicina and C. albifrontalis ). Hover flies mostly foraged on flowers in the morning while blow flies were generally more active in the afternoon. Pollination as measured by harvestable fruit was higher by C. dubia (45.6 ± 10.0) than by C. albifrontalis . (26.3 ± 6.6). Compared with open trees pollinated by bees and other insects present, trees pollinated by C. dubia produced nearly two‐thirds the number of fruit. When presented with equal numbers of avocado flowers, C. dubia fed three times more often than C. albifrontalis , which may explain their higher pollination rate. Both C. dubia and C. albifrontalis transferred on average one pollen grain/flower visit. Blow flies improved avocado yield above no insect pollinators (3 fruit/tree) by an average of 31 fruit/tree (across both fly species), but considerably less than trees in the open pollinated by honey bees (128 fruit/tree). Future trials with multi‐tree enclosures will assess avocado pollination by different fly species. This study demonstrated that at least one species of blow fly could pollinate avocado and provide potential as a managed pollinator in Australian horticulture.
Preliminary investigation of aircraft mounted thermal imaging to locate decomposing remains via the heat produced by larval aggregations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2018.05.028
Abstract: This study investigated the potential of aircraft mounted thermal imaging (AMTI) to locate surficial decomposing remains (clothed and unclothed) through detection of heat generated by larval aggregations of carrion feeding insects. Two trials were carried out, each utilising four pig cadavers (40-45kg) as human analogues and exposing them to insect activity in autumn and winter on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia. The Western Australia Police Air Wing helicopter, fitted with a forward looking infrared radiometer (FLIR) camera, was utilised to obtain the AMTI footage of carcasses over time. The helicopter obtained footage on six occasions during Trial 1 and 22 times during Trial 2. The carcasses were visited daily to record temperature data, insect activity and the state of decay. Activity of blow fly larval aggregations and corresponding heat generation was greatest during the active decay stage in this period surficial remains were strongly detectable by AMTI at distances of up to one kilometre away. The average ambient daytime temperature during autumn was 27.6±3.4°C and AMTI was most effective 3-8days after death. During winter the average daytime temperature was 14.2±2.6°C and AMTI was most effective 10-23days after death. As the timing of larval aggregation activity varied significantly in different seasons, climatic conditions must be considered when assessing the window of opportunity for AMTI as a viable search technique. Despite climatic variation, the temperature difference between larval aggregations and surrounding soil was remarkably consistent across both seasons (8.9±1.0°C). AMTI was determined to be most effective between 9 pm and 5 am. A predictive tool for determining the window of opportunity for the successful detection of larval aggregations under Western Australian environmental conditions is provided.
Decomposition and insect succession of clothed and unclothed carcasses in Western Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2011.04.018
Abstract: The effect of clothing on carcass decomposition and patterns of insect succession onto remains were investigated in two separate years during autumn in Western Australia. The progression of decomposition differed between clothed and unclothed carcasses in both years of the study. The presence of clothing markedly prolonged the wet decay stage in both years with larval feeding occurring across the moist skin surface underneath clothing, as well as within and under the carcasses. Ambient temperatures were higher in the second year of the study and corresponded to marginally faster rates of decay throughout decomposition. Within years, insect arrival and oviposition were largely consistent between clothed and unclothed carcasses with a few notable exceptions. The green blow fly, Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) oviposited one day earlier on clothed than unclothed carcasses in both years of the study. The black carrion fly, Australophyra rostrata Robineau-Desvoidy, (Diptera: Muscidae) colonised clothed carcasses in two distinct waves of succession but only one wave of ovipoistion was observed on unclothed carcasses in either year. Correspondingly, clothed carcasses supported larval feeding by A. rostrata for a longer duration than unclothed carcasses. Finally, dipteran larval masses were more widely distributed across the carcass surface and were present for a longer period of time on clothed carcasses than on unclothed carcasses in both years. Forensically relevant data detailing the seasonal pattern of insect succession onto clothed and unclothed decomposing remains in Western Australia are reported.
Self-citation: Comparison between Radiology, European Radiology and Radiology for 1997-1998
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-12-2011
A comparison of carcass decomposition and associated insect succession onto burnt and unburnt pig carcasses
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-10-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-016-1464-7
Abstract: The rate of decomposition and insect succession onto decomposing pig carcasses were investigated following burning of carcasses. Ten pig carcasses (40-45 kg) were exposed to insect activity during autumn (March-April) in Western Australia. Five replicates were burnt to a degree described by the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) level #2, while five carcasses were left unburnt as controls. Burning carcasses greatly accelerated decomposition in contrast to unburnt carcasses. Physical modifications following burning such as skin discolouration, splitting of abdominal tissue and leathery consolidation of skin eliminated evidence of bloat and altered microambient temperatures associated with carcasses throughout decomposition. Insect species identified on carcasses were consistent between treatment groups however, a statistically significant difference in insect succession onto remains was evident between treatments (PERMANOVA F
The Role of Flies as Pollinators of Horticultural Crops: An Australian Case Study with Worldwide Relevance
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2020
Abstract: Australian horticulture relies heavily on the introduced managed honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to pollinate crops. Given the risks associated with reliance upon a single species, it would be prudent to identify other taxa that could be managed to provide crop pollination services. We reviewed the literature relating to the distribution, efficiency and management potential of a number of flies (Diptera) known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia and worldwide. Applying this information, we identified the taxa most suitable to play a greater role as managed pollinators in Australian crops. Of the taxa reviewed, flower visitation by representatives from the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae and Syrphidae was frequently reported in the literature. While data available are limited, there was clear evidence of pollination by these flies in a range of crops. A review of fly morphology, foraging behaviour and physiology revealed considerable potential for their development as managed pollinators, either alone or to augment honey bee services. Considering existing pollination evidence, along with the distribution, morphology, behaviour and life history traits of introduced and endemic species, 11 calliphorid, two rhiniid and seven syrphid species were identified as candidates with high potential for use in Australian managed pollination services. Research directions for the comprehensive assessment of the pollination abilities of the identified taxa to facilitate their development as a pollination service are described. This triage approach to identifying species with high potential to become significant managed pollinators at local or regional levels is clearly widely applicable to other countries and taxa.
Management of stable fly and other nuisance flies breeding in rotting vegetable matter associated with horticultural crop production
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2011
Dipteran Attraction to a Variety of Baits: Implications for Trapping Studies as a Tool for Establishing Seasonal Presence of Significant Species
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-04-2019
DOI: 10.1093/JME/TJZ050
Abstract: Monitoring and collection of fly taxa (Diptera: Calliphoridae Muscidae Sarcophagidae) of medical, veterinary, and agricultural importance is often routine practice, providing data on target species presence, distribution and abundance. Collection practices currently involve baited trapping and while an inherent bias accompanying the choice of bait is acknowledged, there is little consistency in bait choice between studies and insufficient assessment of trapping success rates for bait types in current use. This study aimed to examine the effect of bait choice on trapping results for six commonly used bait types a commercial bait (Envirosafe Fly Attractant, Envirosafe Products) and a combination of mixtures of liver, horse manure and 5% sodium sulfide (Na2S). Trapping success was compared under different seasonal conditions (Summer, Autumn, and Spring) to determine the most attractive bait for calliphorid species, with a secondary comparison of kangaroo versus ox liver occurring under summer conditions. Baits containing Na2S were the most successful in captures of all target taxa, with the addition of manure desirable, yielding increased ersity of taxa. Kangaroo liver baits attracted high numbers of Chrysomya spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy, Diptera: Calliphoridae), while Lucilia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy, Diptera: Calliphoridae) were comparatively underrepresented in traps using liver alone. The use of a combined ox liver/manure/Na2S bait is recommended as the gold standard for generic screening of necrophagous flies. Where more specific target fly taxa are desired, such as Chrysomya spp. or Lucilia spp. only, alternate baits such as kangaroo or lamb may prove more attractive/successful.
Annual and seasonal patterns of insect succession on decomposing remains at two locations in Western Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2009.08.014
Abstract: This study considered annual, seasonal and shorter term variation in patterns of insect succession onto decomposing remains at two contrasting locations in Western Australia, bushland and agricultural. The degree of consistency in insect succession patterns over spatial and temporal scales was evaluated through multivariate analysis of occurrence-based distance matrices. Insect assemblages were strongly correlated between locations, within corresponding time periods, indicating that patterns of insect succession were similar between localised sites within the same broad geographic area. This suggests that there is reasonable scope for the application of baseline succession data generated at a single study site to a range of decomposition sites within a given region. Differences were largely due to species absences at the agricultural site. Three species of Coleoptera were identified as possible representatives of bushland habitat, Ptomaphila lacrymosa (Silphidae), Omorgus tatei (Trogidae) and Helea castor (Tenebrionidae), and may be indicative of post mortem movement between habitat types. Within locations, variation in insect assemblages was not significant between years. Within years, insect assemblages varied significantly over time on a seasonal time scale and as decomposition progressed through defined decomposition stages. Forensically relevant data detailing the seasonal pattern of insect succession onto decomposing remains for Western Australia are reported. Additional focus has been directed towards hymenopteran parasitoids that frequent decomposing remains and parasitise Diptera colonisers. Parasitoids can be used to provide an extended PMI timeframe in cases where traditional forensic indicators have completed their development.
Host location and behavioural response patterns of the parasitoid, Tachinaephagus zealandicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), to host and host‐habitat odours
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2009
Reflectance-based determination of age and species of blowfly puparia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-016-1458-5
Abstract: Forensic entomology is primarily concerned with the estimation of time since death and involves determination of the age of immature insects colonising decomposing remains. Accurate age determination of puparia is usually accomplished by dissection, which means destructive s ling of evidence. As part of improving abilities to correctly identify species and developmental age, it is highly desirable to have available non-destructive methods. In this study, we acquired external hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data (77 spectral bands, 389-892 nm) from the dorsal and ventral sides of in idual puparia of two species of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Calliphora dubia Macquart 1855 and Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart 1842. Puparia were dissected to determine the presence/absence of eight internal morphological development characteristics (legs, wings, labella, abdominal segments, antennae, thoracic bristles, orbital/facial bristles and eye colour and arista). Based on linear discriminant analysis and independent validation of HSI data, reflectance features from puparia could be used to successfully (1) distinguish the two species (classification accuracy = 92.5 %), (2) differentiate dorsal and ventral sides of puparia (classification accuracy C. dubia = 81.5 % Ch. rufifacies = 89.2 %) and (3) predict the presence of these morphological characteristics and therefore the developmental stage of puparia (average classification accuracy using dorsal imaging: C. dubia = 90.3 % Ch. rufifacies = 94.0 %). The analytical approach presented here provides proof of concept for a direct puparial age relationship (i.e. days since the onset of pupation) between external puparial reflectance features and internal morphological development. Furthermore, this approach establishes the potential for further refinement by using a non-invasive technique to determine the age and developmental stage of blowflies of forensic importance.
Entomology-based methods for estimation of postmortem interval
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.2147/RRFMS.S68867
Hymenopteran Parasitoids of Forensic Importance: Host Associations, Seasonality, and Prevalence of Parasitoids of Carrion Flies in Western Australia
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1603/033.046.0532
Abstract: A 2-yr survey of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with carrion-breeding flies was conducted to establish the parasitoid species of potential forensic significance in Western Australia. Host associations, seasonality, and rates of parasitism in the field were examined to assess the value of the identified parasitoids as forensic indicators of time since death. Four species of parasitoid emerged from dipteran specimens collected from carcasses: Tachinaephagus zealandicus Ashmead (Encryptidae), Nasonia vitripennis Walker (Pteromalidae), Spilomicrus sp. (Diapriidae), and Aphaereta sp. (Braconidae). Overall parasitism of carrion-breeding flies was 11.8%. T. zealandicus and N. vitripennis were the predominant species, accounting for 86.3 and 11.5% of parasitism observed, respectively. In contrast, Aphaereta sp. and Spilomicrus sp. were intermittently collected from carcasses throughout the study and the parasitism rates of both species were low (< or = 3.0%). Our findings provide forensically important biological and behavioral data of parasitoid-host interactions within carcass environments. The cosmopolitan parasitoids T. zealandicus and N. vitripennis have the greatest potential as indicators of time since death in forensic investigations based on their broad host ranges, rates of parasitism, and seasonal prevalence. In combination, these two species are present throughout the year and they parasitized nearly all of the dipteran species that colonize carcasses. Because both are cosmopolitan species, the data presented here are applicable to regions experiencing a similar Mediterranean climate. This work reports the first incidence of T. zealandicus and N. vitripennis parasitizing the dipteran species Calliphora albifrontalis Malloch (Calliphoridae), Calliphora dubia Macquart (Calliphoridae), and Hydrotaea rostrata Robineau-Desvoidy (Muscidae).
Survival and development of the forensically important blow fly, Calliphora varifrons (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at constant temperatures
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-04-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-014-9565-4
Abstract: The influence of temperature on the development of the forensically important blow fly, Calliphora varifrons Malloch 1932 (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was investigated at seven constant temperatures ranging from 12 to 30 °C. C. varifrons completed development between 12 and 27 °C. At 30 °C larvae formed pupae but did not successfully emerge. Temperature significantly influenced development time, mortality, maximum larval length, and adult body size. Development time (larviposition to adult emergence) ranged from 16.65 ± 0.17 days at 27 °C to 49.93 ± 0.26 days at 12 °C. Development rate was essentially linear throughout the 12-27 °C temperature range. Linear estimates of lower developmental threshold and thermal requirement (K) for development of C. varifrons were 4.20 °C and 368.46 ± 26.38 K. At 30 °C, a slight inhibitory effect of high temperature on third instar development rate was observed followed by a rapid decline when subsequent development and survival ceased. Nonlinear estimates of lower developmental threshold for third instar development were comparatively higher (6.29 °C). Nonlinear estimates of optimal developmental temperature and upper lethal developmental threshold were 25.94 and 32.13 °C respectively. Mortality was high at both temperature extremes (12 and 27 °C) and lowest between 18 and 24 °C. Maximum larval length was inversely related to temperature. Adult body size was significantly smaller at 12 °C, peaked at 18 °C, and declined as temperatures increased. The species-specific development data presented are the first available for C. varifrons for use by forensic practitioners for estimation of minimum time since death.
Temperature-dependent development of the parasitoid Tachinaephagus zealandicus on five forensically important carrion fly species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-03-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2915.2010.00865.X
Abstract: The influences of temperature and host species on the development of the forensically important parasitoid Tachinaephagus zealandicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were studied at six constant temperatures in the range of 15-30 degrees C. T. zealandicus completed development successfully between 15 degrees C and 27 degrees C on five species of Calliphoridae, Calliphora albifrontalis Malloch, Calliphora dubia Macquart, Lucilia sericata Meigen, Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart and Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius. No adult parasitoids emerged from any of the host species reared at 30 degrees C. Temperature and host species significantly influenced development time, emergence success and progeny size. Development was significantly longer on Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies at 18-24 degrees C and significantly longer on Ch. rufifacies and C. albifrontalis at 15 degrees C and 27 degrees C. Parasitoid emergence success was greatest at 21 degrees C, declined at the temperature extremes (15 degrees C and 27 degrees C) and was significantly lower on Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies than on the three other host species. Progeny numbers per host pupa were highest at 21-24 degrees C, declined on either side of this temperature range and were significantly lower on L. sericata, Ch. rufifacies and Ch. megacephala than on either C. dubia or C. albifrontalis. An effect of host species on sex ratio was only observed at 27 degrees C, at which a higher proportion of T. zealandicus females emerged from Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies than from the other host species. The thermal requirements for development (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, optimum temperature) of T. zealandicus in each host species were estimated using linear and non-linear models. Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 29.90 degrees C and 31.73 degrees C, and 9.73 degrees C and 10.08 degrees C, respectively. The optimum temperature for development was estimated at between 25.81 degrees C and 27.05 degrees C. Given the significant effect of host species on development time, the use of parasitoid-host-specific developmental data in forensic application is recommended.
Temperature‐dependant development of Nasonia vitripennis on five forensically important carrion fly species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-03-2010
Erratum to: Self-citation in American Physiological Society Journals (Scientometrics, 10.1007/s11192-010-0328-z)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-01-2012
The laying of live larvae by the blowfly Calliphora varifrons (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2012.07.015
Abstract: This study examined larviposition in Calliphora varifrons Malloch (Diptera: Calliphoridae), an ovoviviparous blowfly of forensic importance in Western Australia. Females took 1.5 min (mean 89±10.0s, n=42) to deposit their live, first instar larvae (average body length 2.5 mm) on fresh liver in the laboratory. Females laid an average of 30 live larvae (mean of 29.9±1.2, n=50) at a rate of 1 larva every 2 s (mean of 0.46±0.05 larvae/s, n=42). Most females (66%) laid live larvae only, but 18% laid fully developed eggs (half of the egg masses laid by in idual females were viable) and 16% laid live larvae and some eggs at the same time. Females laying only eggs laid a mean of 24.1±3.0, n=10 eggs on each occasion. Field females carried between 20 and 44 live larvae (mean of 33.4±1.0, n=49) with a strong linear relationship between female size and number of live larvae. In the laboratory, females typically laid larvae in multiple locations. Very few females (<8%) retained some larvae in their ovisacs, retaining on average, half of their complement of developed larvae. Those larvae retained had begun to be resorbed by the female with necrosis evident on the posterior segments.
Investigation of the Factors Affecting Adult Fly Production in Biosolid Cake
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-2009
DOI: 10.1603/022.038.0314
Abstract: The seasonal pattern of adult fly production in both fresh and aged biosolid cake was established by the exposure of biosolid cake to natural conditions in the central coastal region of Perth, Western Australia, over the course of a year. Relationships between fly emergence and six factors (weeks exposed, pH, NH(4), rainfall, temperature, and moisture) suspected of facilitating the attraction of adult flies to biosolid cake were measured. The aim was to study the production of adult flies with regard to weeks exposed in different seasons to establish a "best practice" storage procedure for aged biosolid cake. Four fly species were collected during the study Musca domestica L. (house fly), Stomoxys calcitrans L. (stable fly), Fannia canicularis L. (lesser house fly), and Muscina stabulans (Fallén) (false stable fly). Of the 5,303 flies identified, >97% of these were either M. domestica or S. calcitrans. Adult flies emerged from biosolid cake all year round with a sharp decline in winter. The number of emerged flies peaked in summer (3,163 flies) and declined during autumn (1,545 flies) and spring (532 flies). Significant positive relationships were observed between the number of adult flies emerging from biosolid cake and ambient temperature, NH(4) content, and weeks exposed. Higher ambient temperatures and a higher NH(4) content of the biosolid cake were associated with increased number of adult flies emerging from the biosolid cake. Similarly, the majority of flies emerged from biosolid cake in the first 10 wk of exposure to fly activity.
A Biological and Procedural Review of Forensically SignificantDermestesSpecies (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-07-2015
DOI: 10.1093/JME/TJV106
Abstract: The analyses of the insect species found on decomposing remains may provide useful information for the estimation of the minimum time elapsed since death and other parameters, such as causes and circumstances of death. The majority of research has focused on the early colonizing species, typically blowflies, while research concerning late colonizing insects is currently sparse. Dermestid beetles of the genus Dermestes L. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are one of the predominant insect species associated with decomposing remains during dry decay and skeletal stages of decomposition. In some dry environments, Dermestes species are likely to be the only necrophagous insects feeding on the decomposing remains. Furthermore, Dermestes species (immature and adults), their remains (cast skins and fecal material), and their artifacts (pupal chambers) are frequently found associated with ancient remains (e.g., mummies, fossils). Dermestes species have a worldwide distribution and are considered important in decomposition processes, forensic investigations, and economically as a known pest of stored products. Despite their recognized forensic importance, there is limited data documenting the ecology, biology, and the growth rates of the forensically relevant species. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis on the available literature concerning Dermestes species associated with forensic cases. In particular, aspects of colonization behavior, growth rates for forensic taxa and potential best practice guidelines for forensic casework encompassing late colonizing Dermestes species are discussed.
Related Organisations
The University Of Western Australia Faculty Of Science
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Sasha Voss.