Australian horticulture relies heavily on the introduced managed honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to pollinate crops. Given the risks associated with reliance upon a single species, it would be prudent to identify other taxa that could be managed to provide crop pollination services. We reviewed the literature relating to the distribution, efficiency and management potential of a number of flies (Diptera) known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia and worldwide. Applying this information, we identified the taxa most suitable to play a greater role as managed pollinators in Australian crops. Of the taxa reviewed, flower visitation by representatives from the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae and Syrphidae was frequently reported in the literature. While data available are limited, there was clear evidence of pollination by these flies in a range of crops. A review of fly morphology, foraging behaviour and physiology revealed considerable potential for their development as managed pollinators, either alone or to augment honey bee services. Considering existing pollination evidence, along with the distribution, morphology, behaviour and life history traits of introduced and endemic species, 11 calliphorid, two rhiniid and seven syrphid species were identified as candidates with high potential for use in Australian managed pollination services. Research directions for the comprehensive assessment of the pollination abilities of the identified taxa to facilitate their development as a pollination service are described. This triage approach to identifying species with high potential to become significant managed pollinators at local or regional levels is clearly widely applicable to other countries and taxa.

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This study presents differences in rate of decomposition and insect succession between exposed carcasses on the soil surface and those enclosed within a vehicle following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Nine 45-kg pigs were used as models for human decomposition. Six animals were sacrificed by CO gas, half of which were placed within the driver's side of separate enclosed vehicles and half were placed under scavenger-proof cages on the soil surface. A further three animals were sacrificed by captive headbolt and placed under scavenger proof cages on the soil surface. The pattern of insect succession and rate of decomposition were similar between surface carcasses within trials regardless of the mode of death. Progression through the physical stages of decomposition was 3-4 days faster in the enclosed vehicle due to higher temperatures there compared to external ambient temperatures. Patterns of insect succession also differed between the vehicle and surface treatments. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Calliphoridae was delayed within the vehicle environment by 16-18 h, while oviposition was not observed until 24-28 h following death. In contrast, attendance by Calliphoridae at surface carcasses occurred within 1 h of death, and oviposition occurred within 6-8 h of death. Typical patterns of insect succession on the carcasses were also altered. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Coleoptera occurred during the bloat stage of decomposition at surface carcasses but was delayed until the onset of wet decomposition (as defined by carcass deflation and breakage of the skin) within the vehicle environment. This study provides baseline data outlining the decomposition patterns of a carcass enclosed within a vehicle following CO poisoning in Western Australia. Understanding how variations in decomposition situations impact on the rate of decomposition and patterns of insect succession is essential to obtaining an accurate estimate of minimum post-mortem interval (PMI).

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1The analyses of the insect species found on decomposing remains may provide useful information 2 for the estimation of the minimum time elapsed since death and other parameters, such as causes 3 and circumstances of death. The majority of research has focused on the early colonising species, 4 typically blowflies, while research concerning late colonising insects is currently sparse. Dermestid 5 beetles of the genus Dermestes L. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are one of the predominant insect 6 species associated with decomposing remains during dry decay and skeletal stages of 7 decomposition. In some dry environments Dermestes species are likely to be the only necrophagous 8 insects feeding on the decomposing remains. Furthermore, Dermestes species (immature and 9 adults), their remains (cast skins and fecal material) and their artifacts (pupal chambers) are 10 frequently found associated with ancient remains (e.g. mummies, fossils). Dermestes species have a 11 worldwide distribution and are considered important in decomposition processes, forensic 12 investigations and economically as a known pest of stored products. Despite their recognised 13 forensic importance, there is limited data documenting the ecology, biology and the growth rates of 14 the forensically relevant species. 15The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis on the available literature concerning 16Dermestes species associated with forensic cases. In particular, aspects of colonisation behaviour, 17 growth rates for forensic taxa and potential best practice guidelines for forensic casework 18 encompassing late colonising Dermestes species are discussed. 19 20