ABSTRACT Forensic entomology has been developing in Brazil in recent years. In cases where traditional forensic methods cannot accurately determine the postmortem interval (PMI), entomological evidence can be crucial. In this novel study, we present the first results of the Forensic Entomology Division at Santa Catarina Scientific Police, southern Brazil, formally established in January 2022. From Jan 2022 to July 2023, minimum PMI was calculated based on entomological evidence in 34 cases. A total of 21 species of insects (16 species of Diptera belonging to 6 families and 5 species of Coleoptera belonging to 4 families) were collected from human bodies at different decomposition stages and in different types of environments. The most abundant and relevant species to estimate PMI were: Chrysomya albiceps (in 38% of the cases), followed by Hermetia illucens (18%), Oxelytrum discicolle (14%), Chrysomya megacephala (12%) and Peckia (Pantonella) intermutans (12%). Some species were reported for the first time colonizing human corpses in Santa Catarina and used for the first time to estimate minimum PMI in Brazil. Understanding the entomofauna present on a human corpse becomes an important tool in death investigations and is essential for forensic entomology applications. Our findings provide better understanding of entomological evidence from Santa Catarina State and have important implications for the advancement of forensic entomology in Brazil. years PMI, , (PMI) crucial study Police 202 2023 3 2 16 (1 environments 38 cases, cases) 18%, 18 18% (18%) 14%, 14 14% (14%) 12% 12 (12% Pantonella (Pantonella 12%. . applications (PMI 20 1 ( (18% (14% (12 (18 (14

Resumen En el presente estudio se ofrece una actualización de la distribución de la especie exótica Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) en México, con una metodología que combina datos de colecciones biológicas, redes sociales y ciencia ciudadana. La mosca oriental de las letrinas es registrada por primera vez en 16 estados. Adicionalmente, para facilitar su correcta identificación, proveemos una guía fácil de seguir para comparar esta especie con otras de apariencia similar reportadas en México.

Abstract In the present study we discuss the distribution of the exotic species Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) in Mexico, combining data from natural history collections, social media and citizen science. The oriental latrine blow fly is recorded for the first time in 16 Mexican states. Additionally, we provide an easy-to-follow guide to compare this species with similar looking species recorded from Mexico to help with its identification.

ABSTRACT The classic episode of biological invasion: Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775) versus Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) - evaluation of the biotic potential. The biotic of the native fly Cochliomyia macellaria and the exotic Chrysomya megacephala was compared, through the reproductive capacity and longevity. The experiment took place in a climatized chamber, with four repetitions of 15 grouped couples of each species. The posture, egg mass weight, and death of individuals were observed daily. C. macellaria showed an average of longevity of 27.72 days while in C. megacephala the average was 41.96 days. The egg mass weight average per repetition was 0.58 g and 1.22 g, respectively. These results give a better understanding about the population dynamics of these species in nature.

La complejidad de los entornos urbanos puede tener diferentes efectos en la diversidad y la composición de especies. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar el conjunto de Calliphoridae en cuanto a su riqueza, abundancia y sinantropía en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Se seleccionaron tres sitios de muestreo que difieren tanto en la distancia al borde o límite de la ciudad como en la intensidad de la urbanización. En cada sitio se colocaron 12 trampas cebadas con hígado de vaca (200 g por trampa) que permanecieron durante cinco días consecutivos durante tres momentos diferentes del año, en abril, junio y agosto de 2013. Se recolectó un total de 341 califóridas adultos pertenecientes a nueve especies, Lucilia sericata (Meigen), L. eximia (Wiedemann), L. cuprina (Wiedemann), L. cluvia (Walker), Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, Sarconesia chlorogaster (Wiedemann), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), C. megacephala (Fabricius) y C. chloropyga (Wiedemann). Lucilia sericata fue la especie más abundante, seguida de C. vicina. La diversidad, la composición y la abundancia de especies cambiaron entre los sitios, observándose una disminución en la riqueza del sitio más urbanizado. Todas las especies son cosmopolitas, excepto Sarconesia chlorogaster, cuya distribución está restringida a Sudamérica. Estos resultados son consistentes con una homogeneización de la fauna en entornos urbanos.

The complex nature of urban environments can have different effects on species diversity and composition. The aim of this work was to characterize the assemblage of Calliphoridae regarding its richness, abundance, and synanthropy in Córdoba City, Argentina. Three sampling sites differing in their distance to the border of the city and degree of urbanization were selected. In each site, collections were carried out with 12 traps baited with cow liver (200 g per trap) that were operated for five consecutive days during three different times of the year, in April, June and August 2013. A total of 341 adult calliphorids from nine species, Lucilia sericata (Meigen), L. eximia (Wiedemann), L. cuprina (Wiedemann), L. cluvia (Walker), Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, Sarconesia chlorogaster (Wiedemann), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), C. megacephala (Fabricius) and C. chloropyga (Wiedemann) were collected. Lucilia sericata was the most abundant species followed by C. vicina. Species diversity, composition and abundance changed between sites, richness being lowest at the most urbanized site. All species are cosmopolitan except Sarconesia chlorogaster, whose distribution is restricted to South America. These results are consistent with a homogenization of the fauna in urban environments.

AbstractINTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether different strains of Brevibacillus laterosporus could be used to control larvae of the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala , a pest that affects both human and animal health.METHODS:Mortality rates were recorded after 1-mL suspensions of sporulated cells of 14 different strains of B. laterosporus were added to 2.5g of premixed diet consisting of rotting ground beef fed to first instar larvae of C. megacephala . All bioassays were performed using 10 larvae per strain, with a minimum of three replicates for each bioassay. Larval mortality was recorded daily up to seven days.RESULTS:Strains Bon 707, IGM 16-92, and Shi 3 showed the highest toxicity toward the larvae producing 70.5%, 64.5%, and 51.6% of larval mortality, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, strains NRS 1642, NRS 661, NRS 590 BL 856, NRS 342, ATCC 6457, Bon 712, and NRS 1247 showed limited or no pathogenic activity against the target larvae.CONCLUSIONS:Our preliminary data indicated that B. laterosporus could be used to develop bioinsecticides against C. megacephala .

A nivel mundial, un tercio de las partes comestibles de los alimentos producidos para el consumo humano se desperdicia, siendo importante la generación de propuestas para el uso sostenible de los mismos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la influencia de cuatro dietas, a base de salvado de arroz, en tres cantidades y tres densidades larvales sobre la duración del periodo larval, porcentaje de viabilidad larval y peso larval de Chrysomya megacephala. Los Resultados indican que la duración del periodo larval y el porcentaje de viabilidad larval fueron favorecidos con el incremento de salvado de arroz en la dieta. En contraste, el peso larval se redujo con este incremento. En relación con la densidad larval, 5 larvas/g de dieta presentó el mayor porcentaje de viabilidad larval, sin presentar efectos significativos sobre la duración del periodo y peso larval. La duración del periodo larval y el porcentaje de viabilidad larval no difirieron al incrementar la cantidad de dieta, mientras que el peso larval aumentó favorablemente. En relación con la interacción de los factores, la duración del periodo larval disminuyó conforme se incrementó la densidad larval en la dieta con mayor contenido de salvado de arroz, y el peso larval aumentó conforme se incrementó la cantidad de dieta. Finalmente, 5 larvas/g de dieta es la densidad ideal de C. megacephala, el peso larval aumenta con la cantidad de dieta y la duración del periodo larval es inversamente proporcional a la densidad larval en la dieta con mayor contenido de salvado de arroz.

Globally, a third of the edible parts of food produced for human consumption are wasted, therefore it is important the generation of proposals for the sustainable use thereof. The objective of this investigation was to determine the influence of four diets, based in rice bran, in three quantities and three larval densities on the duration of larval period, larval viability and larval weight of C. megacephala. The results indicate that the duration of larval period and percentage of larval viability were favored when the content of rice bran in the diet was increased. In contrast, the larval weight was decreased. In relation with larval density, 5 larvae/g of diet presented the greatest percentage of larval viability, without significant effects on the duration of larval period and larval weight. The duration of larval period and larval viability did not differ by increasing the quantity of diet, while the larval weight increased favorably. In relation with the interaction of factors, the duration of larval period decreased as the larval density increased, in the diet with the greatest content of rice bran, and the larval weight increased as the quantity of diet increased. Finally, the density of 5 larvae/g of diet is the ideal density of C. megacephala, the larval weight increases with the quantity of diet, and the duration of larval period is inversely proportional to the larval density in the diet with the greatest content of rice bran.

Las enterobacterias (Enterobacteriaceae) causan enfermedades entéricas. Este tipo de bacterias se pueden transportar y dispersar a través de insectos que actúan como vectores mecánicos, como las moscas (Insecta: Diptera). En este estudio, se aislaron e identificaron enterobacterias asociadas a moscas sinantrópicas, las cuales se recolectaron en cuatro áreas de diferente uso urbano en el municipio de Medellín. Se identificaron 13 taxones de moscas calipteradas pertenecientes a cuatro familias y se categorizaron según el valor del Índice de Riesgo como Vector Mecánico (IRVM) - propuesto en este estudio -. Las especies Chrysomya megacephala, Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya albiceps y Musca domestica fueron especies de alto riesgo; Fannia sp., Atherigona orientalis, y Ophyra aenescens de riesgo moderado; y las demás se clasificaron como de bajo o ningún riesgo para transportar patógenos entéricos. Escherichia coli fue la bacteria más frecuente en los aislamientos (32%), seguida por Klebsiella oxytoca (12%), Pasteurella pneumotropica (11%) y Kluyvera spp. (8%). Raoultella ornithinolitica, Stenotrophomponas maltophilia y Chryseobacterium menigosepticum, se aislaron por primera vez asociadas a moscas. Finalmente, se hacen 22 nuevos registros de bacterias asociadas a ocho especies de moscas. Los resultados permiten evidenciar un alto grado de generalismo en la interacción entre moscas y bacterias y que las moscas sinantrópicas tienen un determinado grado potencial como vectores de enfermedades infecciosas de acuerdo con el índice propuesto.

Enterobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) causing enteric diseases can be carried and dispersed through insects that act as mechanical vectors, especially flies (Insecta: Diptera). In this study, enterobacteria associated with synanthropic flies were isolated and identified; four different urban areas in the municipality of Medellín were surveyed. Thirteen taxa of calyptrate flies belonging to four families were identified and classified according to the Mechanical Vector Risk Index (MVRI) value, which is proposed in this study. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1819), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), and Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 are of high risk; Fannia sp., Atherigona orientalis Schiner, 1868, and Ophyra aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830) of moderate risk; remaining species were classified as low or no risk. Escherichia coli was the most frequent bacterium according to the number of isolations (32%), followed by Klebsiella oxytoca (12%), Pasteurella pneumotropica (11%), and Kluyvera spp. (8%). Raoultella ornithinolitica, Stenotrophomponas maltophilia, and Chryseobacterium menigosepticum were isolated for the first time from flies. Finally, 22 new records of bacteria associated with eight fly species are documented. These results allow us to foresee the existence of a generalist pattern in the interaction between flies and bacteria and indicate that synanthropic flies have a quantifiable potential as vectors of infectious diseases according to the index proposed.

Distribuição e ocorrência de moscas-varejeiras de importância forense foi realizada durante 2007 e 2008 nas províncias de Chiang Mai e Lampang, norte da Tailândia. Os levantamentos foram feitos em áreas de florestas, durante 30 minutos usando rede de varredura para coletar as moscas atraídas por iscas. Um total de 2115 moscas-varejeiras pertencentes a seis gêneros e 14 espécies foram coletados; Chrysomya megacephala(Fabricius) (44,7%), C. pinguis(Walker) (15,1%), C. chani Kurahashi (9,3%), C. thanomthini Kurahashi & Tumrasvin (0,3%); Achoetandrus rufifacies(Macquart) (10,5%), A. villeneuvi(Patton) (2,2%); Lucilia papuensisMacquart (2,2%), L. porphyrina(Walker) (12,4%), L. sinensisAubertin (0,7%); Hemipyrellia ligurriens(Wiedemann) (1,3%), H. pulchra(Wiedemann) (0,1%); Hypopygiopsis infumata (Bigot) (0,6%), Hy. tumrasvini Kurahashi (0,2%) e Ceylonomyia nigripes Aubertin (0,4%). Dentre elas a C. megacephala foi a espécie predominante coletada particularmente no verão. As espécies capazes de predominar nas áreas altas são: C. pinguis, C. thanomthini, Hy. tumrasvini, L. papuensis e L. porphyrina.

Distribution and occurrence of blow flies of forensic importance was performed during 2007 and 2008 in Chiang Mai and Lampang Provinces, northern Thailand. Surveys were conducted in forested areas for 30 minutes using a sweep net to collected flies attracted to a bait. A total of 2,115 blow flies belonging to six genera and 14 species were collected; Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (44.7%), C. pinguis (Walker) (15.1%), C. chani Kurahashi (9.3%), C. thanomthini Kurahashi & Tumrasvin (0.3%); Achoetandrus rufifacies (Macquart) (10.5%), A. villeneuvi (Patton) (2.2%); Lucilia papuensis Macquart (2.2%), L. porphyrina (Walker) (12.4%), L. sinensis Aubertin (0.7%); Hemipyrellia ligurriens(Wiedemann) (1.3%), H. pulchra(Wiedemann) (0.1%); Hypopygiopsis infumata (Bigot) (0.6%), Hy. tumrasvini Kurahashi (0.2%) and Ceylonomyia nigripes Aubertin (0.4%). Among them, C. megacephala was the predominant species collected, particularly in the summer. The species likely to prevail in highland areas are C. pinguis, C. thanomthini, Hy. tumrasvini, L. papuensis and L. porphyrina.

The Yungas ecoregion is located in the northwest of Argentina, where the ecological information on Calliphoridae is scarce. The aim of this work was to provide the information on richness, composition and abundance of Calliphoridae along urban-rural gradients in the Yungas. Monthly samples were obtained between November 2009 and May 2010 from three localities: San Miguel de Tucumán (urban site), Nueva Esperanza (rural site) and El Taficillo (forest). Eight blowfly species were collected: Lucilia cluvia (Walker), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Lucilia sp., Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Paralucilia pseudolyrcea (Mello) and Calliphora nigribasis Macquart. The Synanthropy Index (SI) was calculated for dominant species. In addition, the association between the abundance of species and the sites was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis. Lucilia cluvia was dominant in all sites and samples, with a slight predominance in sites less affected by urbanization. These results described the assemblage of Calliphoridae present in the lower montane forest in Tucuman, with a high dominance of Lucilia species.

En el noroeste de la Argentina, se encuentra la ecoregión de las Yungas, donde existe escasa información ecológica sobre Calliphoridae. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo ampliar el conocimiento sobre la riqueza, la composición y la abundancia de Calliphoridae en tres parches selváticos, en áreas con distinto grado de urbanización. Los muestreos se realizaron mensualmente desde noviembre de 2009 hasta mayo de 2010 en tres localidades: San Miguel de Tucumán (sitio urbano), Nueva Esperanza (sitio rural) y El Taficillo (selva). Se registraron 8 especies: Lucilia cluvia (Walker), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Lucilia sp., Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Paralucilia pseudolyrcea (Mello) y Calliphora nigribasis Macquart. Para las especies más abundantes, se calculó el Índice de Sinantropía (IS). La asociación entre la abundancia de las especies y los sitios fue examinada mediante un Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP). Lucilia cluvia fue dominante en todos los sitios y muestras, con una leve predominancia hacia sectores menos afectados por la urbanización. Los resultados del presente estudio reflejan la composición de los ensambles de Calliphoridae representativos de la Selva Pedemontana de las Yungas de Tucumán, caracterizados por una fuerte dominancia de especies del genero Lucilia.

Calliphoridae es una de las familias con el mayor número de especies de importancia forense, donde sus fases inmaduras se alimentan y desarrollan sobre material en descomposición. En Venezuela, son pocos los estudios en este taxon, sin embargo se ha reportado la dominancia del género Chrysomya sobre los otros dípteros. El objetivo fue analizar la variación morfométrica en la arquitectura alar, como herramienta de apoyo a la identificación de dípteros de importancia forense. Se fotografiaron 168 alas de C. albiceps (n=111) y C. megacephala (n=57) y se registraron configuraciones de coordenadas (x, y), se alinearon mediante Análisis Generalizado de Procrustes. Se efectuaron Análisis de Componentes Principales y comparaciones pareadas entre distancia parcial de Procrustes. El análisis estadístico de varianza encontró diferencias en el tamaño isométrico del ala (Kruskal-Wallis). El ACP mostró la separación de ambas especies, y la prueba de configuraciones determinó diferencias significativas (F Goodall). Las principales diferencias entre ambas especies se encontraron en: ruptura de la subcosta, unión de R2+3 con el borde del ala, unión dm-cu, y unión de Cu con dm-cu, lo que confirma que la morfometría alar es una herramienta idónea en la discriminación de especies de Calliphoridae.

Calliphoridae is one of the families with the greatest number of species with forensic importance, which immature stages feed and develop on decaying material. in Venezuela, there are few studies on this taxon reporting the dominance of Chrysomya over other carrion flies. The goal of this study was to analyze the variations on wing morphometrics, to support the identification of two forensic flies. For this we photographed a total of 168 wings from C. albiceps (n=111) and C. megacephala (n=57). Landmark coordinate (x, y) configurations were registered and aligned by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Principal Component Analysis and shape significance test based on Procrustes distance were implemented. Statistical analysis of variance found significant differences in wing isometric size (Kruskal-Wallis). The PCA showed the separation between species, and shape test showed significant differences (F Goodall´s). The main differences between both species were localized on subcosta rupture, join of R2+3 with wing border, join of dm-cu, and join of Cu with bm-cu, suggesting that wing morphometrics is a suitable tool in the discrimination of blowfly species.

Primeiro registro de Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) para o Brasil. A região Neotropical compreende além da fauna nativa, quatro espécies de moscas varejeiras exóticas do gênero Chrysomya. No Brasil, até o momento, foram registradas três espécies desse gênero: Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), e Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann). C. rufifacies (Macquart), na América do Sul, foi registrada somente para a Argentina e Colômbia. Neste estudo, C. rufifacies é registrada pela primeira vez para o Brasil. Os espécimes foram coletados em uma região de cerrado, no município de Caxias, estado do Maranhão, atraídos por carcaças de porcos.

First record of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) from Brazil. In addition to its native fauna, the Neotropical region is known to be inhabited by four introduced species of blow flies of the genus Chrysomya. Up until now, only three of these species have been recorded in Brazil - Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), and Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann). In South America, C. rufifacies (Macquart) has only been reported from Argentina and Colombia. This study records C. rufifacies from Brazil for the first time. The specimens were collected in an area of cerrado (savanna-like vegetation) in the municipality of Caxias in state of Maranhão, and were attracted by pig carcasses.

Morfologia comparada das espermatecas de espécies de Chrysomya Robineau-Desvoidy e Cochliomyia Townsend (Diptera, Calliphoridae). Pouco se conhece sobre a morfologia das estruturas quitinizadas das espermatecas de Calliphoridae. Nesse trabalho as espermatecas de Chrysomya albiceps Wiedemann, 1819, C. megacephala Fabricius, 1794, Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 e C. hominivorax Coquerel, 1858 são descritas e ilustradas. Foi registrada pela primeira vez a ocorrência em uma espécie com quatro espermatecas, uma forma atípica em califorídeos. A análise dessas estruturas possibilitará uma melhor compreensão do grupo e fornecerá caracteres taxonômicos para futuros estudos filogenéticos.

Comparative morphology of the spermathecae of some species of Chrysomya Robineau-Desvoidy and Cochliomyia Townsend (Diptera, Calliphoridae). Little is known about the morphology of the chitinized structures of the spermathecae of the Calliphoridae. In this work, the spermathecae of Chrysomya albiceps Wiedemann, 1819, C. megacephala Fabricius, 1794, Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 and C. hominivorax Coquerel, 1858 are described and illustrated. The occurrence in one species of four spermathecae, an atypical form for blow flies, was recorded for the first time. The analysis of these structures will allow a better understanding of this group as well as provide taxonomic characters for future phylogenetic studies.

Monthly collections were made using two traps 5 m apart exposed for 48h, containing sardines and installed at points: A at the edge (500 m from the entrance of the Reserve); B 1200 m from the entrance and 1000 m inside the forest; and C 1700 m from the entrance and 500 m inside the forest. The purpose was to evaluate the abundance and richness of calliphorid species as a function of the environmental conditions using Pearson's correlation, compare the richness of the areas using ANOVA and Tukey's test, compare the abundances of the areas by the Kruskal-Wallis test, and also assess the possible influence of the anthropic presence. Rare, intermediary and common species were identified. The collection totalized 8515 Calliphoridae belonging to 26 species, with a predominance of females. None of the 13 species considered common presented a correlation between abundance and temperature: only Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) were correlated with humidity and only Mesembrinella semihyalina Mello with precipitation. This parameter was the only climatic variable correlated with richness. The greatest abundance and richness of calliphorids occurred in September 2006. From the 13 common species, seven were considered synanthropic, indicating the effect of anthropic action in this site.

As espécies do gênero Chrysomya Robineau-Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) exercem papel importante na saúde pública por causarem miíases e por veicularem enteropatógenos. Este estudo visou estimar a abundância relativa e a sazonalidade das três espécies de Chrysomya (C. albiceps, C. putoria e C. megacephala) que ocorrem no Pantanal. Os dípteros foram capturados em quatro armadilhas orientadas pelo vento (Wind Oriented Trap - W.O.T.), iscadas com fígado bovino deteriorado. As armadilhas foram mantidas ativas durante todo o estudo, realizado na fazenda Nhumirim, base experimental da Embrapa Pantanal, sub-região da Nhecolândia, Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense. No período de dezembro/2004 a novembro/2007, foram capturados 159.086 espécimes de Calliphoridae, sendo 31,87% do gênero Chrysomya. A espécie mais abundante do gênero foi C. albiceps (30,86%), seguida de C. megacephala (0,67%) e C. putoria (0,34%). As três espécies apresentaram flutuações sazonais semelhantes, com dois picos populacionais anuais, observados entre junho e agosto e entre outubro e dezembro.

Species of the genus Chrysomya Robineau-Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) play an important role in public health due to myiasis and transmission of enteropathogens. This study aimed to estimate the relative abundance and seasonality of the three Chrysomya species (C. albiceps, C. putoria, and C. megacephala) that occur in the Pantanal region. The flies were caught by four Wind Oriented Traps, baited with decayed bovine liver. Traps were kept active all over the study carried out from December 2004 to November 2007 at Nhumirim ranch, located at the Nhecolândia subregion, Southern Pantanal. A total of 159,086 Calliphoridae flies were collected and 31.87% of them belonged to the genus Chrysomya. Among calliphorid dipterans the most abundant species was C. albiceps (30.86%), followed by C. megacephala (0.67%), and C. putoria (0.34%). The three Chrysomya species showed similar seasonal fluctuations with two annual population peaks observed in June-August and October-December.

Se registran 22 especies de artrópodos en cadáveres humanos en Ciudad de Panamá, durante los levantamientos de los cuerpos y en las autopsias. Las especies más comunes fueron las moscas Calliphoridae Chrysomya rufifacies, C. megacephala y Cochliomyia macellaria, tanto en etapas inmaduras como adultas. Del mismo modo se pudieron identificar artrópodos omnívoros, parasitoides y depredadores, indicando el grado de información que éstos pudieran dar.

In this work, we report 22 taxa of arthropods from human corpses in Panama City, Panamá, collected in field work and autopsies. The most common species were Calliphoridae flies and larvae of Chrysomya rufifacies, C. megacephala y Cochliomyia macellaria. In addition, we identified other taxa classified as omnivores, predators and parasitoids, and discuss their importance as providers of additional informatión of forensic importance.