Chrysomya rufifacies: Developmental Analysis Over Range of Temperature

Abstract

Forensic entomology deals with the study of insects used in criminal investigations. Insects are drawn from the beginning to the decaying carcass and deposit their eggs. Forensic investigators can easily identify the cause of death, the postmortem index, and any changes in the posture of the dead body by observing the insect larval growth and population. Objective: To increase students' interest in pursuing careers related to forensic entomology, this study aims to determine the usefulness and viability of forensic entomology in Pakistan. This also creates an understanding of insects' lifestyles, awareness about beneficial insects, and the development of critical thinking. Forensic entomology plays a role in situations where the body has been dead for a while. Methods: The Maggot Blow Fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) was studied to determine the time since death using insects as evidence. The research at the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan focused on the fly's life cycle and development under different temperature conditions. The aim was to establish the accuracy of using the fly and its life cycle to estimate postmortem interval. Results: The following conditions were observed: temperature (humid) 190˚C–230˚C and cold temperature (dry) 160˚C–220˚C. Room temperature includes Cold Temperature (Humid) at 230˚C -280˚C and Dry at 220˚C - 260˚C. Conclusions: Chrysomya rufifacies employed in this study have shown that the growth cycle is affected by changes in temperature, and these characteristics may be used to predict the minimal period of death.