The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The 'larval migration stream' had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations. SIGNIFICANCE: • Understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of blow fly larvae from decomposing vertebrate remains in each geographical region is important in time-since-death estimations when using entomological evidence. • In the summer season of the Western Cape Province, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga are among the blow fly species of forensic importance as they deposit their eggs on vertebrate remains. • When a decomposing body is found within the Table Mountain region, we suggest that crime scene investigators should examine the downhill area of the scene for larval/pupal entomological evidence that can assist in time and season of death estimations.

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 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 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 report a case of male corpse colonization found inside a residence in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. The body was found in the gaseous stage of decomposition and was colonized by fly larvae. We reared the larvae collected at the crime scene on a temperature-controlled. We supplied beef as a feeding substrate for the larvae until adult emergence to allow taxonomic identification. Three specimens of Peckia (Squamatodes) ingens emerged in the laboratory. Thus, we present the first record of the flesh-fly Peckia (S.) ingens colonizing a human corpse in Neotropical region, updating the list of species with forensic potential. In addition, information on the total time of the species development and the implications of these findings for the consolidation of forensic entomology in the Northeast region were discussed.

Abstract Despite being the most diverse family of flies found in carcasses and corps in the Neotropical Region, Sarcophagidae is still underestimated in Peru. This research was developed in the Department of Piura, Northern Peru and we identify the flesh flies captured on two kinds of animal carcasses: dog and guinea pigs. As a result, a new record was documented for Peru: Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) plinthopyga (Wiedemann, 1830) and eight new records for the Department of Piura.

ABSTRACT Corpses in Brazil are commonly hidden in sugarcane plantations in the attempt to delay their finding and hinder the solution of the crime. On the other hand, these plantations are regularly sprayed with insecticides for pest control. Until now no study has reported the effects of insecticides on ant fauna. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that if a body hidden in a monoculture is accidentally contaminated by an insecticide, both the carcass decomposition pattern and the Formicidae fauna will be affected. To accomplish this, pig carcasses contaminated and non-contaminated were placed in a sugarcane monoculture environment and subsequently examined for data collection every 24 hours. The concentration used to contaminate the carcasses was 20 grams per liter of thiamethoxam. The decomposition patterns of contaminated carcasses were changed, in turn affecting the behavior of Formicidae fauna. A total of 5318 ants were collected, 3397 in contaminated carcasses and 1919 in non-contaminated carcasses, and 30 species of 11 genera were identified. According to the analysis, there are no differences between the composition of species between contaminated and non-contaminated carcasses, however, a significant difference was observed in the composition of species along the stages of decomposition between the two types of carcasses. Therefore, our hypothesis has been confirmed, contaminated carcasses undergo changes in their normal pattern of decomposition and the fauna of ants that act on them. As this group of insects has great importance for forensic sciences, the analysis of the experts should take these results into account.

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.