Resumen La entomotoxicología forense, que analiza insectos necrófagos para detectar sustancias tóxicas, es crucial en la determinación de causas de muerte y la estimación del intervalo post-mortem. Este estudio se centró en Peckia intermutans (Walker) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) como marcador para la detección de metanol, un alcohol potencialmente letal presente como adulterante en bebidas alcohólicas debido a su bajo costo y parecido con el etanol. Se desarrolló un método de cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (HS-GC-MS) para detectar metanol y se estudió su efecto sobre el tiempo de desarrollo, supervivencia y morfología de las moscas de la carne. Las larvas se criaron en sustratos de hígado enriquecidos con metanol (300, 500 y 1000 mg/kg). Los resultados mostraron: el método desarrollado detectó metanol en todos los estadios; el metanol afectó el tiempo de desarrollo de las moscas; la supervivencia aumentó con una mayor concentración de metanol; y los cambios morfológicos fueron evidentes en el peso. Este estudio ofrece valiosa información sobre la investigación entomotoxicológica del Ecuador, por lo que se debe considerar los cambios morfológicos de P. intermutans para evitar estimaciones inexactas de los intervalos post-mortem.

Abstract Forensic entomotoxicology, which analyzes necrophagous insects to detect toxic substances, is crucial in determining causes of death and estimating the post-mortem interval. This study focused on Peckia intermutans (Walker) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) as a marker for detecting methanol, a potentially lethal alcohol often added as an adulterant in alcoholic beverages due to its low cost and similarity to ethanol. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) method was developed to detect methanol, and its effects on the development time, survival, and morphology of flesh flies were investigated. Larvae were reared on liver substrates enriched with methanol (300, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Results showed: the developed method detected methanol in all instars; methanol affected the developmental time of the flies; survival increased with higher methanol concentration; and morphological changes were evident in weight. This study provides valuable information on entomotoxicological research in Ecuador, emphasizing the need to consider morphological changes in P. intermutans to avoid inaccurate estimations of post-mortem intervals.

Abstract Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae) is among the earliest successional fauna on human and animal cadavers. Some immature Calliphoridae can be useful for determination of post-mortem interval. Toxins, particularly pesticides, can affect the rate of insect growth. Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is an affordable insecticide that has not been adequately entomotoxicologically evaluated. So, the impact of AlP on the developmental rate of different stages of C. albiceps was investigated. Larvae of C. albiceps were reared on the rabbit carcasses containing AlP as a treated group, and distilled water as a control group. The substances were administered by a gastric tube. The duration needed for development of C. albiceps stages was documented. Body length, width and weight of larvae were measured after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h from egg hatching. The duration of development increased significantly in the treated group compared to the control group. Larvae body measurements were significantly smaller in the treated group than in the control group. Therefore, it was demonstrated that AlP significantly influences the size of C. albiceps larvae and extends their development. During forensic application, interpretation of C. albiceps data should be used with caution when aluminum phosphide may be the cause of death. (Calliphoridae cadavers postmortem post mortem interval Toxins pesticides growth (AlP evaluated So C investigated tube documented length 24 48 7 9 hatching Therefore application death 2 4

Resumo Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae) está entre as primeiras espécies a colonizar cadáveres humanos e animais. Alguns Calliphoridae imaturos podem ser úteis para a determinação do intervalo “post-mortem”. Toxinas, particularmente pesticidas, podem afetar a taxa de crescimento de insetos. O fosfeto de alumínio (AlP) é um inseticida acessível que não foi adequadamente avaliado entomotoxicologicamente. Assim, o impacto do AlP na taxa de desenvolvimento de diferentes estágios de C. albiceps foi investigado. Larvas de C. albiceps foram criadas em carcaças de coelho, contendo AlP como grupo tratado e água destilada como grupo controle. As substâncias foram administradas por sonda gástrica. A duração necessária para o desenvolvimento dos estágios de C. albiceps foi documentada. O comprimento, largura e peso do corpo das larvas foram medidos após 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas da eclosão dos ovos. A duração do desenvolvimento foi significativamente aumentada no grupo tratado, em comparação com o grupo controle. As medidas corporais das larvas foram significativamente menores no grupo tratado do que no grupo controle. Portanto, foi demonstrado que o AlP influencia significativamente o tamanho das larvas de C. albiceps e prolonga seu desenvolvimento. Durante a aplicação forense, a interpretação dos dados de C. albiceps deve ser usada com cautela, quando o fosfeto de alumínio puder ser a causa da morte. (Calliphoridae animais postmortem. postmortem post mortem . “post-mortem” Toxinas pesticidas insetos (AlP entomotoxicologicamente Assim C investigado coelho controle gástrica documentada comprimento 24 48 7 9 ovos Portanto forense cautela morte “post-mortem 2 4

ABSTRACT Sarcophagidae flies have great forensic importance, since different instars of their larval development are used in the determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) of corpses. However, for many species, intrapuparial developmental data are scarce. Here we analyzed the intrapuparial development of the sarcophagid Peckia pexata and describe the chronological and morphological changes that occur during metamorphosis. We reared approximately 330 specimens originating from the Colombian Amazon in the laboratory. Prepupae were identified by size reduction and coloration change. During the first five days of the study, four individuals were sampled every three hours, then every six hours until adult emergence. Specimens were fixed in 96% alcohol, then immersed in Carnoy solution for 24 hours and in formic acid (5%) for 48 hours for dissection and analysis of morphological changes. Four morphological phases of intrapuparial development of P. pexata were observed: 1) larva pupa apolysis, which lasted, in average, 9 h; 2) cryptocephalic pupa, 6 h; 3) phanerocephalic pupa, 6.5 h; and 4) pharate adult (transparent eyes, 48 h; yellow eyes, 216 h; pink eyes, 35 h; and red eyes, 52 h). The pharate adult was fully formed at 340 h and adult emergence occurred at 372.5 h or 15.5 days. We also described the formation of the prepupa, the pupariation and the final metamorphosis for the imago and compared it with the known events for Peckia intermutans, Peckia lambens (Sarcophagidae) and Lucilia eximia (Calliphoridae). importance PMI (PMI corpses However species scarce 33 laboratory change study 96 alcohol 2 5% 5 (5% 4 P observed 1 apolysis lasted average 3 65 6. transparent eyes 21 h. . h) 34 3725 372 372. 155 15 15. prepupa intermutans (Sarcophagidae Calliphoridae. Calliphoridae (Calliphoridae) (5 37 (Calliphoridae (

RESUMEN Las moscas Sarcophagidae tienen gran importancia forense, ya que diferentes etapas de su desarrollo larvario son utilizadas en la determinación del intervalo post mortem (IPM) de cadáveres. Sin embargo, para muchas especies los datos sobre el desarrollo intrapupal son escasos. Aquí analizamos el desarrollo intrapupal del sarcofagido Peckia pexata y describimos los cambios cronológicos y morfológicos que ocurren durante la metamorfosis. Criamos aproximadamente 330 especímenes originarios de la Amazonía colombiana en laboratorio. Prepupas se identificaron por la reducción de tamaño y cambio de color. Durante los primeros cinco días se tomaron muestras de cuatro individuos cada tres horas, y posteriormente cada seis horas hasta la emergencia de los adultos. Los especímenes se fijaron en alcohol al 96%, posteriormente se sumergieron en solución Carnoy durante 24 horas y en ácido fórmico (5%) durante 48 horas, para disección y el análisis de los cambios morfológicos. Observamos cuatro etapas del desarrollo intrapupal de P. pexata: 1) larva pupa apolisis, que duró, en promedio, 9 h; 2) pupa criptocefálica, 6 h; 3) pupa fanerocefálica, 6.5 h; y 4) adulto farado (ojos transparentes, 48 h; ojos amarillos, 216 h; ojos rosados, 35 h; y ojos rojos, 52 h). El adulto farado se formó completamente a las 340 h y la emergencia del adulto se produjo a las 372.5 h o 15,5 días. También describimos la formación de la prepupa, la pupariación y la metamorfosis final para el imago y lo comparamos con los eventos conocidos para Peckia intermutans, Peckia lambens (Sarcophagidae) y Lucilia eximia (Calliphoridae). forense IPM (IPM cadáveres embargo escasos 33 laboratorio color adultos 96 96% 2 5% 5 (5% 4 P 1 apolisis duró promedio criptocefálica 3 fanerocefálica 65 6. transparentes amarillos 21 rosados rojos h. . h) 34 3725 372 372. 155 15 15, prepupa intermutans (Sarcophagidae Calliphoridae. Calliphoridae (Calliphoridae) (5 37 (Calliphoridae (

Resumen Introducción. Los insectos están asociados a las comunidades humanas con impactos positivos y negativos dentro de cada sociedad. Este aspecto fundamenta el estudio de los insectos como una ciencia llamada entomología, que conlleva el desarrollo de diversas ramas. Debido a la importancia social y económica de esta ciencia en diversos ámbitos de la sociedad panameña, se logró un significativo desarrollo durante los últimos cuarenta años. Objetivo. Determinar las ramas de la entomología aplicadas en Panamá durante las últimas cuatro décadas. Desarrollo. El desarrollo de la entomología en Panamá se enfocó en impulsar la entomología general, agrícola, veterinaria, médica y forense, a través del desarrollo de investigaciones, la enseñanza y el establecimiento de las bases necesarias para impulsar la ciencia. Conclusiones. Cinco ramas que incluyen la entomología general, agrícola, veterinaria, médica y forense constituyeron la piedra angular y el impulso del desarrollo de la entomología como ciencia durante cuarenta años al servicio de la sociedad panameña, justificados en necesidades sociales relacionadas a aspectos de la salud, alimentación y economía. Durante los últimos años también se han incluido temáticas como el medio ambiente, el cambio climático y la sostenibilidad.

Abstract Introduction. Insects are associated with human communities, with positive and negative impacts within each society. This aspect is the basis of the study of insects as a science called entomology, which involves the development of various branches. Due to the social and economic importance of this science in various areas of Panamanian society, a significant development has been achieved during the last forty years. Objective. To determine the branches of entomology applied in Panama during the last four decades. Development. The development of entomology in Panama focused on promoting general, agricultural, veterinary, medical, and forensic entomology through the development of research, teaching, and the establishment of the necessary foundations to promote science. Conclusions. Five branches, including general, agricultural, veterinary, medical, and forensic entomology, constituted the cornerstone and the impetus for the development of entomology as a science for forty years at the service of Panamanian society, justified by social needs related to health, food, and the economic aspects. In recent years topics such as the environment, climate change, and sustainability have also been included.

Resumen Se reportan los primeros registros de dos especies de hormigas, i.e., Hypoponera opacior y Pseudomyrmex seminole y dos géneros, i.e., Acanthosticus y Mycetosoritis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), asociados a etapas de descomposición de necrotrampas colocadas en una zona semiurbana del estado de Yucatán, México.

Abstract First records of two ant species, i.e., Hypoponera opacior and Pseudomyrmex seminole, and two genera, i.e., Acanthosticus, Mycetosoritis, associated with decaying stages of necrotramps established in a semi-urban area of Yucatan, Mexico.

ABSTRACT Insects attracted to cadavers can be used to estimate postmortem interval (PMI). In this study, inmature stages and adults of Dermestes maculatus and Chrysomya albiceps were collected in association with a human cadaver in a closed aquatic environment in Caquetá, Colombia, and analyzed to determine the PMI. We also conducted an experiment with a pig carcass to estimate the emersion time, which began three days after carcass submersion. The minimum PMI was 481.5 hours. Time of death, time of emersion and period of insect activity matched the actions of the murder suspects, who confessed to murdering the victim 25 days prior to the discovery of the body.

RESUMEN Los insectos atraídos a cadáveres pueden ser usados para estimar el intervalo post mortem (IPM). En este estudio, una muestra de estados inmaduros y adultos de Dermestes maculatus y Chrysomya albiceps fueron recolectados en asociación con un cadáver humano en un ambiente cerrado y acuático en Caquetá, Colombia, y analizada para determinar el IPM. Además, se condujo un experimento con un cadáver porcino para estimar el tiempo de emersión, que comenzó tres días después de la sumersión del cadáver. El IPM mínimo fue 481.5 horas. El tiempo de muerte, tiempo de emersión y el periodo de actividad insectil coincidieron con las acciones de los sospechosos del crimen, quienes confesaron haber asesinado a la víctima 25 días antes del descubrimiento del cadáver.

Resumen Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy es una especie colonizadora primaria en cuerpos en descomposición siendo predominante en las estaciones frías en Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se estimó el intervalo post-mortem mínimo (PMImin) usando el crecimiento y longitud larvales como evidencia entomológica precisa del tiempo de muerte transcurrido. Se criaron especímenes a 12, 14, 16 y 18 °C para determinar las tasas de crecimiento larvales y pupales. Se registraron diferencias en los tiempos de desarrollo (43,2 días a 12 °C; 34,3 días a 14 °C; 29,1 días a 16 °C y 24,3 días a 18 °C), observándose tiempos de vida más cortos a mayor temperatura, sin alterarse los rangos de longitud larval (~1,5–18,0 mm). La temperatura también afectó la supervivencia y tamaño de los adultos emergidos; registrándose mayor porcentaje de supervivencia a 14 (29,73%) y 16 °C (38,65%) y mayor mortalidad a temperaturas extremas (19,00% a 12 °C y 12,61% a 18 °C). Los adultos criados a 12 °C fueron los más grandes, las hembras mayores que los machos con una relación inversa entre tamaño y supervivencia. Estos resultados permiten estimar el PMI basado en datos de poblaciones locales en lugar de consultar registros obtenidos en otras regiones.

Abstract Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy is a primary colonizing species of decomposing bodies, being predominant in the cold seasons in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin) was estimated using growth and larval length parameters as the accurate entomological evidence of the elapsed time since death. Specimens were reared at 12, 14, 16, and 18 °C, and the larval and pupal growth rates were determined. Differences in the developmental times were registered (43.2 days at 12 °C, 34.3 days at 14 °C, 29.1 days at 16 °C, and 24.3 days at 18 °C), with the lifespan shortened at higher temperatures, without changing the larval length range (~1.5–18.0 mm). Temperature also influenced the survival and size of emerged adults; the highest percentage of survival registered at 14 (29.73%) and 16 °C (38.65%), and more mortality in extreme temperatures (19.00% at 12 °C and 12.61% at 18 °C). Adults reared at 12 °C were the largest of all, females were longer than males, and body size showed an inverse relationship with survival. These results allowed the PMI estimation based on data from local populations instead of consulting papers based on other regions.

Resumo Moscas necrófagas possuem grande importância para a sanidade humana e animal. Onde estas se desenvolvem ocorrem parasitoides que podem ser utilizados como ferramentas para o controle desses dípteros. No Brasil, a fauna desses parasitoides vem sendo investigada em algumas regiões e no Rio Grande do Sul é conhecida a ocorrência de apenas uma espécie. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi criar a primeira lista de espécies de parasitoides de moscas de importância médica e veterinária ocorrentes no extremo sul do Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas no município de Pelotas (31º 42’ S; 52º 18’ O). Foram montadas três réplicas de bandejas contendo, cada uma, 500 g de fígado bovino, expostas ao ar livre durante 20 dias. Na sequência, as pupas foram individualizadas e observadas até a emergência. Foram identificados 4.882 adultos pertencentes às famílias Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae e Sarcophagidae. Emergiram 4.040 parasitoides, pertencentes a oito espécies, das quais Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis e Tachinephagus zealandicus são novas ocorrências para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas três espécies ainda não descritas do gênero Aphaereta. Apesar de ainda ser um primeiro esforço de inventariar a fauna de himenópteros parasitoides, este estudo pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de programas de manejos desses dípteros na região.

Abstract Necrophagous flies are of great importance for human and animal health. In places where their development occurs, parasitoids can be used as a tool to control these dipterans. In Brazil, the fauna of these parasitoids has been investigated in some regions. However, in Rio Grande do Sul, it is known the occurrence of only one species. Thus, this study aimed to create the first list of parasitoids in flies of medical and veterinary importance in Southern Brazil. Collections took place in the municipality of Pelotas (31º 42’ S; 52º 18’ W). Three replicates consisting of a 500 g bovine liver chunk placed in a tray were exposed to open air for 20 days. Then pupae were individualized and observed until their emergence. We identified 4,882 adult flies of Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae. 4,040 parasitoids emerged, belonging to eight species, of which Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis, and Tachinephagus zealandicus are new records in Rio Grande do Sul state. Also, three undescribed species of the genus Aphaereta were collected. In spite of being the first attempt to inventory the fauna of hymenopteran parasitoids, this study may help in the development of management programs of these dipterans in the region.

ABSTRACT We present the first report of Nasutitermes guayanae feeding on human bone remains found in an urban area of the municipality of Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia, in the Colombian Amazon piedmont. The record indicates an expansion in the diet of these termites. The observation suggests that the association of N. guayanae with decomposing bodies may be a possible tool for the estimation of postmortem intervals.

RESUMEN Presentamos el primer reporte de Nasutitermes guayanae alimentándose de restos óseos humanos encontrados en un área urbana del município de Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia, en el Piedemonte Amazónico colombiano. El registro indica una expasión en la dieta de esas térmitas. La observación sugiere que la asociación de N. guayanae con cuerpos en descomposición puede ser una posible herramienta para la estimación de intervalos postmortem.

Abstract Dermester ater De Geer is recorded for the first time from the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Within the field of Forensic Entomology, it is a species of relevance for its usefulness in the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Adult specimens of this species were collected from mummified and dried remains of pig heads (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) used as necrotraps placed in a semi-urban area. Photographs of D. ater, an identification key and illustrations for the 4 species of Dermestes present in the state are included.

Resumen Se registra por primera vez a Dermestes ater De Geer en el estado de Yucatán, México. Dentro del campo de la Entomología Forense es una especie de relevancia por su utilidad en la estimación del intervalo postmortem (IPM). Ejemplares adultos de esta especie fueron recolectados en los estados de momificación y restos secos de cabezas de cerdo (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) utilizadas como necrotrampas colocadas en una zona semiurbana. Se incluyen fotografías de D. ater, una clave de identificación e ilustraciones para las 4 especies de Dermestes presentes en el estado.

RESUMO Devido à importância médica, veterinária, ambiental e forense do califorídeo Chrysomya putoria (Diptera), foi avaliado o desempenho apresentado por estágios imaturos criados em carne de cavalo. Os espécimes foram colocados em câmaras aclimatizadas reguladas a 30 ºC, 60 ± 10% UR e 14 horas de fotofase. Os estágios larval e pupal concluíram seu desenvolvimento em 4,16 e 4,12 dias, respectivamente. As larvas pós-alimentação e pupas com 24h de idade pesaram, em média, 58,06 e 40,10mg, respectivamente. As taxas de emergência registradas foram de 65% nas condições experimentais propostas. Como os compostos orgânicos voláteis são diferentes na decomposição de um animal para outro, este trabalho e outros realizados com a mesma dieta são os mais apropriados para estimativa de intervalo post mortem envolvendo cavalos.

ABSTRACT Due to medical, veterinary, environmental and forensic importance of the calliphorid Chrysomya putoria (Diptera), the performance presented by immature stages, reared on horse meat, was evaluated. The specimens were placed in acclimatized chambers regulated at 30 ºC, 60 ± 10% RU and 14 hours of photo phase. The larval and pupal stages completed their development in 4, 16 and 4, 12 days, respectively. Post-feeding larvae and aged 24h pupae weight on average 58, 06 and 40, 10 mg, respectively. The emergence rates recorded were 65% under the experimental conditions proposed. As volatile organic compounds are different in the decomposition of one animal to another, this work and others carried out with the same diet are the most appropriate for estimating post-mortem interval involving horses.

Resumen La intoxicación aguda con plaguicidas es un problema de salud pública mundial. En los países en desarrollo los plaguicidas causan hasta un millón de casos de intoxicación y hasta 20.000 muertes anuales. En México, se ha reportado que debido a las intoxicaciones por xenobióticos, entre ellos los plaguicidas, fallecen 1.400 personas anualmente. En el presente trabajo se optimizó un método para detectar y cuantificar malatión en larvas de mosca (Diptera) de tercer estadio, que eclosionaron sobre carne de cerdo Sus scrofa domesticus tratada con la dosis letal de malatión para humanos (60 g/60 kg). Se trabajó con una biomasa de 1,5 g a la cual se le agregó 1,2 mL de fase, se agitó por espacio de 5 min y se centrifugó por 10 min a 10.000 rpm. El sobrenadante se analizó por HPLC, usando una fase de metanol-agua (70/30). El tiempo de retención del malatión fue de 4,1 min. Se encontró que el límite de detección fue de 0,301 ppm de malatión; la técnica y el procedimiento utilizados servirán como herramienta indirecta para identificar la presencia de este tóxico de una manera relativamente sencilla y su uso en casos judiciales.

Abstract Acute pesticide poisoning is a global public health problem. In developing countries pesticides cause up to one million cases of poisoning and up to 20,000 deaths annually. In Mexico, it has been reported that due to intoxications by xenobiotics, among them pesticides, 1,400 people die annually. In the present work a method was optimized to detect and quantify malathion in third instar fly larvae (Diptera) that hatched in pork meat, Sus scrofa domesticus, treated with the lethal dose in humans of malathion (60 g/60 kg). A biomass of 1.5 g which was added 1.2 mL of phase, stirred by space 5 min and centrifuged for 10 min at 10.000 rpm. The supernatant was analyzed by HPLC, using a methanol-water phase (70/30). The retention time of malathion was 4.1 min. The detection limit was calculated at 0.301 ppm. The technique and procedure used will serve as an indirect tool to identify the presence of the toxin in a relatively simple way in court cases.

Abstract The forensic information of criminal interest that can be obtained from a decomposing human corpse can be harmed by postmortem changes. The presence of the water beetle Rhantus validus feeding on a corpse found in an artificial freshwater pond in Peñehue, Región de La Araucanía, Chile, and postmortem artifacts caused by their necrophagous activity is reported. These skin modifications can be confused with antemortem injuries. The ecological conditions that allow this feeding behavior and the forensic repercussions of this finding are discussed.

Resumen La información forense de interés criminalístico que se puede obtener desde un cuerpo humano en descomposición puede ser perjudicada por los cambios postmortem. Se reporta la presencia del ditíscido Rhantus validus alimentándose sobre un cuerpo humano encontrado en un estanque artificial de agua dulce en Peñehue, Región de La Araucanía, Chile, y los artefactos postmortem causados por su actividad necrófaga. Estas modificaciones en la piel pueden ser confundidas con heridas antemortem. Las condiciones ecológicas que permiten este comportamiento trófico y las repercusiones forenses de este hallazgo son discutidas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: L. eximia is a species that shows a wide geographical distribution in Costa Rica, whose populations are stable throughout the year. The biological characteristics of L. eximia allow it to be considered as a potential forensic indicator for the calculation of the minimum post mortem interval (PMI). Objective: To compare the PMI calculated by a thermal accumulation model with L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with the PMI in corpses of pigs (Sus scrofa). Methods: Two pig corpses were exposed in a tropical premontane moist forest. Larvae of L. eximia were collected from the pig carcasses at 78, 144 and 192 hours after the moment of death, and their development was promoted under controlled conditions. With the data generated, thermal back-projections were made to calculate the PMI. Results: L. eximia required a total of 7 236.50 accumulated degree hours (ADH) to complete its life cycle. The IPMs calculated by the thermal accumulation model were 112.56, 153.60, and 104.64 hours, respectively. Only the intermediate value did not present statistically significant differences with the known time of death (p>0.05). Conclusions: The thermal accumulation model using L. eximia as a forensic indicator provided accurate information about the PMI only when samples were collected at 144 hours, which indicates that this method may be accurate and useful during the first stages of cadaveric decomposition.

RESUMEN Introducción: L. eximia es una especie de amplia distribución geográfica en Costa Rica, cuyas poblaciones son estables durante todo el año. Las características biológicas de ésta permiten concebirla como un potencial indicador forense para el cálculo del intervalo post mortem mínimo (IPM). Objetivo: Comparar el IPM calculado mediante un modelo de acumulación térmica con L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), con el IPM real en cadáveres de cerdos domésticos (Sus scrofa). Material y Métodos: Dos cadáveres de cerdo fueron expuestos en un bosque premontano húmedo tropical. A partir de dichos cadáveres se colectaron larvas de L. eximia a las 78, 144 y 192 horas posteriores al momento de muerte y se propició su desarrollo en condiciones controladas. Con los datos generados, se realizaron retroproyecciones térmicas para efectuar el cálculo del IPM. Resultados: L. eximia requirió en total 7 236,50 grados- hora acumulados (ADH) para culminar su desarrollo. Los IPM calculados mediante el modelo de acumulación térmica para los tres momentos de colecta fueron 112,56; 153,60 y 104,64 horas. Únicamente el valor intermedio no presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas con el tiempo de muerte conocido (p>0.05). Conclusiones: El modelo de acumulación térmica en que se utilizó L. eximia brindó información precisa sobre el IPM sólo cuando se tomaron las muestras en el campo a las 144 horas, lo que perfila su utilidad para las primeras etapas de la descomposición cadavérica.

Resumen Objetivos: Analizar la sucesión de insectos asociados a la descomposición de cuerpos en dos ecosistemas acuáticos en la Amazonia Andina. Metodología: Tres cadáveres fueron ubicados en una quebrada y tres en un lago, los muestreos se realizaron cada cinco horas desde el momento de la muerte hasta su esqueletización. Resultados: La descomposición total duró 14 días en la quebrada y 16 en el lago. Seis estadios de descomposición fueron observados: fresco sumergido; flotación temprana; flotación tardía; deterioro de la flotación; restos flotantes y restos sumergidos. En total se colectaron 1172 individuos en la quebrada y 1585 en el lago. Los gremios tróficos identificados fueron: trituradores; colectores; depredadores; necrófagos; sarcosaprófagos e incidentales. En la quebrada, los trituradores tricópteros fueron los más representativos en la etapa fresco sumergido. En el lago los trituradores, moscas de mayo y los depredadores hemípteros y odonatos fueron los más representativos en la etapa de flotación temprana. Los dípteros necrófagos y sarcosaprófagos fueron los más representativos en las etapas donde el cuerpo estuvo expuesto a la superficie en ambos ecosistemas. Conclusiones: El ISMP para ambos cadáveres fue similar en los dos hábitats, cada uno evidenció seis etapas de descomposición, lo que confirma que la descomposición en los ecosistemas acuáticos es diferente a la observada para los entornos terrestres.

Abstract Objectives: Analyze the succession of insects associated with the decomposition of bodies in two aquatic ecosystems in the Andean Amazon. Scope: Provide information on the insects associated with bodies that decompose within aquatic habitats and the duration times of each decomposition phase as a tool for the determination of the post-mortem submerged interval (PMSI). Methodology: Three carcasses were placed in a stream and three in a lake, the sampling carried out every five hours, from the moment of death to its skeletonization. Main results: Total decomposition lasted for 14 days in the stream and 16 days in the lake. Six decomposition stages were observed: submerged fresh, early floating, floating decay, bloated deterioration, floating remains and sunken remains. A total of 1172 organisms were collected on the carcasses in the stream and 1585 in the lake. Trophic relationships identified were: Shredders, collectors, predators, necrophages, sarcosaprophages and incidentals. In the stream, the caddisfly shredders were the most representative organisms in the submerged fresh stage. In the lake, the mayfly shredders, and hemipterous and odonate predators, were the most representative organisms in the early floating stage. The necrophagous and sarcosaprophagous diptera were the most representative organisms in the stages exposed to the surface in both ecosystems. Conclusions: The PMSI for both carcasses was similar in the two habitats, each showing six stages of decomposition, confirming that decomposition in lotic and lentic ecosystems is different from that observed for terrestrial environments.