Genetic Identification of Necrophagous Insect Species (Diptera) of Forensic Importance Sampled from Swine Carcasses in Mato Grosso, Midwestern Brazil

Abstract

Forensic entomology is the science that uses insects found on bodies to set the Post Mortem Interval (PMI) among other investigations. The present work used DNA barcode based on the use of a standardized fragment of Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI). We undertook analysis of the taxa associated with carcasses, representing 15 dipterans species. Carcasses of pigs during the decomposition process were used, using a cutoff value of 3% for intra-and interspecific differentiation proves efficient for the dipteran of forensic interest. Species identification is more accurate in well studied and reviewed groups. It was observed that specific taxonomic groups were well separated. In the larger group a molecular study, including other mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes is necessary. The greater differentiation in Lucilia eximia probably requires review studies of the group.

Identification of arthropods of forensic importance during cold and warm seasons in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa

“…This occurs over a period of time (Sharma et al, 2015;Charabidze et al, 2017). Each stage of decomposition attracts different insect species (Dantas et al, 2016;Charabidze et al, 2017). For example, approximately, 400 insect species have been reported on a pig cadaver during its different stages of decomposition (Amendt et al, 2004).…”

“…For example, approximately, 400 insect species have been reported on a pig cadaver during its different stages of decomposition (Amendt et al, 2004). A succession of insects follows a predictable pattern from the first phase to the last phase of decomposition, with first colonization occurring within few minutes of death (Vasconcelos et al, 2012;Sharma et al, 2015;Dantas et al, 2016;Charabidze et al, 2017). However, oviposition may not always occur Amendt et al, 2004).…”