Growth of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) Maggots in a Morgue Cooler*

Abstract

In estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) using maggots obtained during autopsy, the forensic entomologist makes decisions regarding the effects of low-temperature storage of the body on the insects. In this case report, a corpse was found in an abandoned house in the residential area of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. The maggots were found to be alive inside the mouth of the deceased although the corpse had been in the morgue cooler for 12 days. The maggots were reared and identified as Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). The emerged adult flies were kept as a stock colony, and the duration of development under the indoor fluctuating temperature regime was studied. The total duration of developmental process of this species was 9.5 ± 0.5 days, and the PMI estimated was 3.2 ± 0.6 days. This case report demonstrates the survival of Ch. megacephala maggots for 12 days and their growth inside the morgue cooler.

The importance of collecting live fly larvae from a severely decomposed human cadaver in winter. Case report

“…Generally, at the temperature varying from 0 to 10°C, as the deceleration of metabolic activity of larvae, development mainly stops like under anesthetic condition. However, because the larval aggregation produces the heat and contributes to the larval activity, larvae can feed human cadaver's tissue even in the low temperature around 4°C like refrigeration [13,14].…”

Family Calliphoridae: An Integral Part of Postmortem Interval Estimation

“…But behaviors of maggot masses need to be taken into consideration as well. Maggot masses, despite existing in 4° ± 3°C, were found to have a temperature of 12°C [22]. Therefore if an investigator fails to collect Calliphoridae prior to placing the corpse in a morgue refrigerator, temperature of not only the refrigerator should be noted, but also the temperature of the sampled maggot masses.…”

“…PMI min was calculated to be between 2.9 and 3.9 days. Later, however, the individual was confirmed to have been deceased for at least 12 days [22]. Additional studies show that higher temperatures also alter development, by increasing Lucilia cuprina larval development at peak temperatures of 24°-27°C [21].…”

“…It is accepted practice to place a corpse into a morgue refrigerator post discovery and prior to autopsy or examination. This quick drop in temperature has the potential to force Calliphoridae to go into quiescence [22]. In Malaysia, a corpse was found decomposed indoors, and was placed into a morgue cooler.…”

Development of two forensically important blowfly species (Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at four temperatures in India

“…; Thevan et al . ; Yan‐wei et al . ), no studies have been undertaken specifically to determine the relationship among larval age, length and dry weight for these forensically important blowflies available throughout the year in warmer regions of India (Bharti & Singh , ).…”