Correlation of Molecular Expression with Diel Rhythm of Oviposition in Calliphora vicina (Robineau‐Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Implications for Forensic Entomology

Abstract

This study explored the molecular mechanisms potentially underlying blow fly nocturnal oviposition. A behavioral study revealed that Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) possesses a diel rhythm of oviposition in light under 12:12 light/dark conditions. Reversal to 12:12 dark/light resulted in oviposition behavior changing to align with the adjusted regime in most females, but four of 59 experimental females lacked a diel rhythm of oviposition (were arrhythmic). Real-time PCR was used to monitor the molecular expression levels of known circadian genes per and tim in C. vicina to determine whether gene expression and behavior correlated. As with behavior, reversing light/dark conditions changed rhythmic gene expression to align with an adjusted light regime. This suggests that although it is unlikely that C. vicina will colonize dead bodies at night, arrhythmic females and oviposition in the dark was demonstrated.

Blow fly artifacts from blood and putrefaction fluid on various surfaces: a source for forensic STR typing

“…Moreover, despite the fact that L. cuprina is indeed found on carrion in countries such as Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and the USA, its forensic relevance also in these countries is proved just anecdotic in literature (Louw & van der Linde, 1993). Hence, we chose Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a target species for our study, as it is well known as a blow fly of forensic relevance on an almost global scale (Reiter, 1984;Smith, 1986;Anderson, 2000;Marchenko, 2001;Donovan et al, 2006;Amendt et al, 2007;Battan Horenstein et al, 2007;Park et al, 2009;George et al, 2014;Mohr & Tomberlin, 2014). Hence, we chose Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a target species for our study, as it is well known as a blow fly of forensic relevance on an almost global scale (Reiter, 1984;Smith, 1986;Anderson, 2000;Marchenko, 2001;Donovan et al, 2006;Amendt et al, 2007;Battan Horenstein et al, 2007;Park et al, 2009;George et al, 2014;Mohr & Tomberlin, 2014).…”

“…It is much more common in sheep strike, where the larvae of this species infest living, injured tissue (Williams & Villet, 2014). Hence, we chose Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a target species for our study, as it is well known as a blow fly of forensic relevance on an almost global scale (Reiter, 1984;Smith, 1986;Anderson, 2000;Marchenko, 2001;Donovan et al, 2006;Amendt et al, 2007;Battan Horenstein et al, 2007;Park et al, 2009;George et al, 2014;Mohr & Tomberlin, 2014). Instead of saliva and sperm we used blood and putrefaction fluid as food sources for the flies because these traces are much more common at crime scenes and are regularly incorporated by blow flies.…”

Applications of forensic entomology: overview and update

“…The results declared the adjustment in gene expression and behaviour to adapt with the shifted regime of light. This is reverse the traditional assumption that oviposition by this species (C. vicina) always occurs during daylight [126].…”

“…Badania wykazały regulację ekspresji genów i zachowania w celu adaptacji do zmienionego oświetlenia. Wyniki te przeczą ogólnie przyjętemu założeniu, że u C. vicina owipozycja zawsze następuje za dnia [126].…”

A Morphological, Functional, and Genetic Investigation of the Male Compound Eye Phenotype of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae))

“…Another factor to consider is whether or not the circadian rhythm is linked to oviposition behavior. Previous work in another blow fly, Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), showed that eggs are more likely to be laid during light than in darkness [26]. Future work should not only investigate whether a pattern exists for C. megacephala, but also focus on determining a finer range of times.…”