Search Results (70)

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) play a crucial role in the decomposition process and serve as important forensic indicators due to their predictable colonization patterns. This review focuses on the dynamics of maggot masses, highlighting their ecological roles, thermoregulation, and implications for forensics. We summarize data on the self-organizing behavior of maggot masses, which is influenced by chemical cues and environmental factors. These masses can generate internal temperatures that exceed ambient levels by 10–20 °C, accelerating larval growth and impacting competition among individuals. This localized heating complicates the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), as traditional models may not take these thermal influences into account. Furthermore, maggot masses contribute significantly to nutrient cycling and soil enrichment, while the behavior of the larvae includes both cooperation and competition, which is influenced by the species composition present. This review highlights challenges in PMI estimation due to heat production but also discusses advancements in molecular tools and thermal modeling that enhance accuracy. Ultimately, we identify knowledge gaps regarding species diversity, microbial interactions, and environmental variability that impact mass dynamics, suggesting future research avenues that could enhance ecological understanding and forensic applications. Full article

Funerary archaeoentomology is the discipline that studies insects and other arthropods in archaeological contexts, with a particular focus on the funerary domain. The presence of specific species, such as necrophagous beetles or saprophagous flies, can provide crucial evidence regarding post-mortem conditions—whether bodies were left exposed to the air or buried suddenly after death—and whether they underwent particular preservation practices, such as desiccation or embalming. This study concentrates on entomological specimens collected from three mummified bodies at the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona in the province of Verona (northeast Italy), aiming to reconstruct aspects of funerary practices, especially the season of death and the authenticity of the garments worn by the mummified individuals. Insects were manually collected from bodies belonging to three hermits living between the 17th and 19th centuries. A complex entomofauna consisting of Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and minor taxa was collected and analyzed. Diptera puparia, primarily from the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae, were the most abundant entomological elements recovered. Their presence suggests potential exposure of the bodies before burial and indicates that death likely occurred during a mild period of the year (end of spring/beginning of autumn). The co-occurrence of holes caused by maggots on the hermits’ skin and their garments allows us to speculate about the authenticity of the clothing used during the funerary rituals. By combining entomological evidence with textile analysis, this research offers a more precise understanding of historical funerary practices within this devotional context. It sheds light on methods of managing human remains, burial traditions, and preservation techniques, particularly regarding the clothing of the deceased. Full article

Garlic root maggots are the main pest of garlic in Qi County, Henan Province, China, which has become an important factor restricting the development of the garlic industry. Earwigs play an important role in controlling root maggots because of their similar ecological niches. In this study, through DNA barcoding and morphological identification, the following root maggots and main earwigs species from Qi County were quickly identified: Delia platura (Meigen), Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang, Delia antiqua (Meigen), Muscina angustifrons (Loew), Lucilia sericata (Meigan), and the main species of earwigs was Gonolabis marginalis (Dohrn). D. platura was the dominant species and accounted for 98% among all garlic root maggots. The predation ability for each stage of G. distincta on the larvae and pupae of D. platura showed that G. distincta at different developmental stages preyed on both the the larvae and the entire pupae of D. platura. Among them, female adults had the strongest predation ability and the largest daily predation on first instar larvae of gray D. platura (71.25 ± 0.66). First instar nymphs of G. distincta also had a certain predation ability with the daily predation of first instar larvae being (1.85 ± 0.13). The predation ability of G. distincta at different instars on the larvae of the same instar of D. platura increased with the increasing of the instar. For the first to second instar larvae of D. platura, the female adult of G. distincta had the strongest predation ability, followed by the male adult of G. distincta, and then the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. There was no significant difference in the predation ability between the male and female adults of G. distincta, but the adults’ predation capacities were significantly higher than that of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. The capacity of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta, the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the first to third instar nymphs, and there was no significant difference in the predation amount among the first to third instar nymphs. The predation selection experiment indicated that the fifth instar nymphs and the male and female adults of G. distincta showed a positive preference for the first to third instar larvae of D. platura and a negative preference for the pupae of D. platura. Our study provided a preliminary scientific basis for green prevention and control of garlic root maggot. Full article

This study investigates how larval density and associated temperature changes affect the development and survival of two forensically essential blow fly species, Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina. Larvae colonies were reared at 25 °C under controlled conditions, with adults at 23.3 °C on a 16:8 light cycle. Using a split-plot design, we tested four larval densities of 50, 200, 1000, and 2000 individuals at 25 °C and 30 °C, with temperature gradients measured via thermocouple at four mass positions three times daily, and larvae fed liver at ca. 6 g/50 larvae. Key findings revealed density-dependent developmental patterns, with 1000 larvae representing a threshold where thermoregulatory benefits balance competition costs. Temperature gradients showed edge-to-center differentials up to 5.2 °C, yet high-density masses exhibited prolonged development despite warmer microclimates due to hypoxia and waste accumulation. L. sericata demonstrated greater thermal tolerance than C. vicina, particularly at 30 °C, as C. vicina showed 58% reduced emergence. We demonstrated that maggot mass temperature might not be reliable, as they may overestimate developmental rate by 18–22% at densities over 1000 larvae. We recommend a bigger container for maggot mass-related studies, starting with 1000 larvae per container. The study provides a framework for density-adjusted ADD models and highlights climate change implications for blow fly communication dynamics in forensics contexts. Full article

In insect–microbe symbiosis, understanding the diversity of associated bacteria is crucial. DNA-dependent sequence methods are widely used to assess microbial diversity in insects, but they cannot distinguish between live and dead microbes. In contrast, RNA-dependent sequencing can identify alive bacterial communities, making them more suitable for evaluating alive microbiota diversity. However, its practical reliability in insect–microbe symbiosis remains poorly validated. This study investigated larval gut bacteria diversity of Delia antiqua, a major pest of Liliaceae crops, by employing both DNA- and RNA-dependent 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The reliability of both sequencing methods was evaluated by comparing the effects of synthetic communities (SynComs, constructed according to DNA- or RNA-dependent sequencing) and bacterial communities from wild larvae on axenic larvae. Results revealed significant differences in bacterial community between DNA- and RNA-dependent sequence samples. Compared to bacterial communities from wild larvae, the SynCom constructed based on RNA-dependent sequencing exhibited inhibition effects on D. antiqua larvae survival and body weight, while DNA-dependent SynCom did not, suggesting that DNA-dependent methods were superior for assessing symbiotic microbiota in D. antiqua. This work will provide insights into microbial diversity detection in D. antiqua and offer a framework for other insect–microbe studies. Full article

Background: Chemical odor profiling within forensic entomology is an emerging tool given its potential for species identification and larval aging and its ability to identify decomposition stages. A volatile analysis of larval masses across species of distinctive developmental stages was carried out with extraction techniques to identify odor signatures. However, it is unknown how larval sample handling (i.e., live samples in research vs. hot-water-killed samples in casework) affects odor signatures or the possibility of obtaining relevant volatiles from a single larva. Method: This study utilized solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the analysis of odor volatiles emanating from single larval samples of Cochliomyia macellaria. Fifty (50) larvae (25 live; 25 boiled) were analyzed. Results: The SPME-GC/MS method allowed for odor volatile detection from a single maggot regardless of the sample handling group. The main compounds identified across both groups included those previously reported as emanating from larvae and decomposition substrates. When comparing treatments, the boiled larval samples had a 6-fold decrease in compound abundance compared to the live samples. The identified odor volatiles observed in the hot-water-killed treatment group included indole, p-cresol, and phenol. Conclusions: These results suggest that the handling technique impacts odor detection. Additionally, the heterocyclic aromatics and alcohols identified in the boiled samples are potentially odor markers of a higher intrinsic nature to the maggot rather than a cross-transfer from the decomposition substrate given their survival post elevated temperature treatment. This work shows the plausibility of carrying out an odor analysis of a single maggot following both common research and casework handling practices. Full article

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental issue, with vast amounts of plastic waste accumulating in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic pollution poses significant risks to biodiversity by introducing toxic chemicals and disrupting biological functions. The drone fly, Eristalis tenax, is perhaps the most globally widespread hoverfly. This success is aided by its development as a rat-tailed maggot in a wide array of aquatic environments where it feeds on decaying organic matter. As an adult, E. tenax is a vital pollinator, visiting a wide range of crops and wild plants, and has been shown to vector pollen over hundreds of kilometres during seasonal migrations. Exposure to microplastics during larval stages has the potential to alter the provision of these ecosystem services and to provide a route for the long-distance vectoring of microplastics. To investigate this, we rear E. tenax in water contaminated with different concentrations of microplastic particles. We show that these plastics are retained in the gut from larval through to pupal to adult developmental stages. This contamination resulted in reductions of 33% and 60% in pupal and adult weight when exposed to the highest concentrations of microplastic particles but resulted in no detectable effects on mortality or developmental length. Our results demonstrate the potential for the vectoring of microplastics by this highly mobile species. However, the associated reductions in body size likely have profound consequences for movement capability in terms of foraging and migration and should be further investigated for their impact on ecosystem service provision. Full article

This study aims to construct essential information on the pests attacking Cnidium officinale Makino, which is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea and neighboring countries. Based on the current survey, a total of 12 species were identified, including three above-ground pests attacking flowers, leaves, and stems, as well as ten soil pests attacking roots. In the vertical distribution of damaged roots, the dominant species is bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini) followed by onion maggot (Delia antiqua). Based on this study and the previous literature, the total number of species of pests reported to attack C. officinale is 36, including 3 on flowers, 16 on leaves, 6 on stems, and 11 on roots. We also investigated and compiled a list of natural enemies based on all available information and the current study, totaling 14 species. Parasitus sp., Macrocheles glaber, and Smicroplectrus sp. were identified as candidate natural enemies of root pests. Full article

Housefly maggot larvae (HML) have been identified as a potential alternative animal diet for the fattening process of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). However, the feasibility and potential impacts of HML supplementation require further investigation. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary HML on the growth indices, nutrient compositions, antioxidant activity, and texture profiles of edible tissues of E. sinensis. The results showed that dietary HML supplementation effectively improved the hepatic steatosis index of both genders and sweet amino acid content of edible tissues (except for male gonad) (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary HML significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity in the gonad and female muscle (p < 0.05). For the textural properties, HML feeding significantly improved the adhesiveness in the male muscle, and the cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience in the female muscle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HML feeding significantly decreased the levels of the equivalent umami concentration of the male gonad, male muscle, and hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). Conversely, HML feeding significantly increased the sweetness value in the muscle, hepatopancreas, and female gonad (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that HML could serve as a viable alternative feed for fattening to improve the edible yield and change the flavor characteristics in E. sinensis. Full article

The globally increased severity and frequency of elevated temperatures are altering native species’ geographic distributions and local abundances while also increasing the invasion of new areas by exotic species. These distributional shifts have affected native species. Through two experiments, we investigated the effects of temperature on the survival and oviposition of the hairy maggot blow fly Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), a highly competitive and predatory invasive blow fly of ecological, economic, and forensic importance. In our first experiment, we exposed mixed-sex colonies of C. rufifacies to a given temperature (10–45.0 °C) for 24 h. High survival (≥90%) was observed from 10 to 40 °C, with moderate mortality at 42.5 °C (29.2%) and high mortality at 43.5 °C (75.4%). All flies died when exposed to 44.5 or 45.0 °C for 24 h. Oviposition occurred from 22.5 to 42.5 °C, with the greatest occurrences (100%) at 30 and 35 °C and the greatest number of eggs (2035) occurring at 30 °C. Although oviposition occurred from 22.5 to 42.5 °C, egg viability was only observed from 22.5 to 37.5 °C. Thus, C. rufifacies has distinct thermal limits for survival, and oviposition may exhibit a bet-hedging strategy in response to temperature exposure. In our second experiment, we assessed the effects of an acute heat shock on C. rufifacies oviposition performance. Adult virgins (males and females) were exposed to 25.0 °C, 42.0 °C, or 44.0 °C for 1 h, and then maintained at ~25 °C in mixed-sex colonies for 14 d. Pre-breeding heat exposure had no effect on male or female reproductive success, except for females exposed to 44.0 °C. Females exposed to this temperature before breeding oviposited sooner (2.5 ± 0.0 d, 37.5% decrease), more frequently (0.5 ± 0.4, 33.3% increase), and produced more eggs (10,772.9 ± 2258.6 eggs, 73.3% increase) than female flies exposed to 25 °C. The combined results show that C. rufifacies survives exposures up to 43.5 °C, successfully oviposits up to 37.5 °C, and accelerates both oviposition timing and intensity following brief exposure to near upper lethal temperatures (44.0 °C), potentially provides C. rufifacies a competitive advantage over native calliphorids in warming environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a growing challenge for the aging population, significantly impairing their quality of life, increasing the frequency of medical consultations, and imposing substantial healthcare costs. Chronic wounds are prone to complications, including local and systemic infections, and in severe cases, amputations. The therapeutic use of live larvae from the blowfly Lucilia sericata (biological debridement) has regained attention for its ability to debride necrotic tissue and stimulate granulation. Despite its benefits, this therapy is constrained by the logistical challenges of producing and delivering live larvae and by patient adherence issues. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a lyophilized extract of Lucilia sericata larvae and evaluate its efficacy in treating chronic wounds. Methods: A lyophilized maggot extract (Larveel^®, Alpha-Biocare GmbH, Neuss, Germany) of the larvae of Lucilia sericata was produced under GMP conditions. In a total of ten patients with chronic refractory wounds, the extract was used in individual therapeutic trials and its effect on bacterial colonization and wound healing was investigated. Wound healing was documented photographically and measured visually in terms of a reduction in the wound slough, an increase in the granulation tissue, and a reduction in the wound area. Results: Of the ten patients, three discontinued their treatment due to P. aeruginosa colonization. In seven patients, significant fibrin reduction, granulation, and wound healing occurred, with two achieving complete closure and four showing advanced epithelialization. Conclusions: In 7 of the 10 patients, the application of the extract led to a marked reduction in wound slough, and improved granulation and the progression of wound healing. These effects are likely attributable to the extract’s ability to disrupt bacterial biofilm formation. The findings suggest that this novel therapeutic approach may provide a practical and effective alternative to live larval therapy for managing chronic wounds. Full article

Estimating the minimum post-mortem interval (PMI-min) is crucial in criminal investigations for identifying victims and the circumstances surrounding their death. Traditional post-mortem indicators are reliable only within the first 48–72 h post-mortem. This study explored forensic entomology as an alternative method for PMI estimation, focusing on three cases in Busan, South Korea. Forensic cases involving insect specimens collected from bodies found in Busan from 2022 were examined. Personal and photographic data were documented, and insect specimens were collected, preserved, and identified based on both their morphological characteristics and DNA sequences. To enhance the estimation accuracy, corrected death scene temperatures were calculated using an electronic thermo-hygrometer and meteorological data, applying both quadratic regression and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. The PMI-min was estimated using growth models and developmental data from established studies. Lucilia sericata (Meigen) at different life-cycle stages were discovered in all of the cases, whereas Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was found in only two out of the three cases. In each case, the estimated time of death based on the necrophagous flies differed from the deceased’s last known activity by approximately one–two days. These discrepancies may arise from the pre-colonization interval (PCI), a critical but often overlooked factor for accurate PMI-min estimation. Additional factors, including weather conditions, oviposition timing, mixed fly populations, and maggot-generated heat, further contribute to the uncertainty of PMI-min estimates. Future research should integrate these variables and employ advanced technologies such as machine learning to improve the accuracy of these estimates. Full article

Unmanaged waste can cause environmental pollution, as well as hygiene and health problems. Sitimulyo Piyungan Bantul at the coordinates of −7.86409, 110.42888 was established in 1994 and is the final waste repository area in Yogyakarta, and it is now completely closed; consequently, causing joblessness in the surrounding community. There are activities that can be undertaken to recycle waste such as managing rubbish. Waste can be divided into four categories scrapping, composting, and producing maggot food. However, unmanaged and useful waste, namely, inorganic and hazardous waste, remains a big problem. This research work aims to solve the problem by re-engineering and making an initial simulation using computational fluid dynamics of an incinerator to complete unmanaged inorganic and hazardous rubbish. The incinerator was produced to process non-organic solid and medical waste, which should be combusted at temperatures higher than 800 °C to reduce combustible rubbish that can no longer be recycled, and toxic chemicals, to kill bacteria and viruses. The main incinerator frame is made of an iron elbow. Construction of the incinerator is divided into the chamber, recirculation zone, and chimneys. The wall of the incinerator machine is made of refractory stone and insulators. To measure and control the temperature, thermocouples and a thermocontrol are placed at the inner wall of the incinerator machine. The function of the incinerator machine was tested, and it ran normally. Initial operation of an incinerator for solid hazardous waste such as infusion bottles, pets, glass bottles, pampers, and expired medicines was undertaken. The performance showed that the achieved temperature was 705 °C during the process of the operation, and all of the hazardous waste became ash and the recycled material became a paving block that is economically worthwhile. Hence, the incinerator can be operated as a household industrial tool for a solid medical waste processing apparatus. An initial computational study of the incinerator was also carried out briefly using the student version of commercial software. Full article

Background/Objective: Larval therapy (LT), an intervention using live fly larvae to remove necrotic tissue and promote healing, has regained attention in order to address the growing need for chronic wound management. LT was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 to treat difficult-to-heal wounds; however, LT remains an underutilized therapy. To evaluate efficacy of LT in a systematic review and meta-analysis of wound outcomes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct a literature search across five databases for published and unpublished RCTs comparing LT to conventional therapy. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate LT’s effect on debridement as the primary outcome. Wound healing, bioburden, and treatment-related pain were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Bias was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk-of-Bias 2 tool. Results: Eight RCTs were included in the review. The meta-analysis suggested that LT may be more effective for complete wound debridement (RR = 2.17), though this result was not significant (p = 0.09). The analysis is limited by the small number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 75%). There were no significant differences in the healing rate, antimicrobial effects, or pain compared to conventional therapy. There is a moderate risk for bias in the selection of reported outcomes. Conclusions: LT is as effective as conventional therapy for debridement and may be an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate traditional methods. LT patients may experience similar levels of pain, but LT does not worsen wound healing or infection compared to those receiving routine care. Full article

Background: There is currently no standardised guidance that supports any particular method of debridement. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is often used as a last-resort therapy over more conventional treatments, despite mounting evidence of its benefits. Objectives: This review aimed to critically analyse the systemic and individual barriers to MDT implementation and utilisation. As the primary providers of wound care, discussions are primarily focused on nursing care. Search strategy: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to conduct a literature search of the studies published between 2012 and 2022 across four databases: CINAHL, Cochrane, British Nursing Index and PubMed. The keywords used for this search were based on the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. Twenty-three main articles met the inclusion criteria. All the studies were quality appraised using a risk of bias tool and data were extracted using a predesigned form. The evidence base of the four main themes were discussed: (1) effectiveness of MDT compared to conventional treatments, (2) perceptions and stigma, (3) cost, training and accessibility and (4) side-effects. Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest that MDT is an underused and potentially very effective method of debridement compared to conventional treatments. The identified barriers could be mitigated with relatively low-cost solutions. More high-quality research is needed across all the barriers. Full article