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Sharif S, Wunder C, Amendt J, Qamar A. Deciphering the impact of microenvironmental factors on cuticular hydrocarbon degradation in Lucilia sericata empty Puparia: Bridging ecological and forensic entomological perspectives using machine learning models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169719. [PMID: 38171456 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Blow flies (Calliphoridae) play essential ecological roles in nutrient recycling by consuming decaying organic matter. They serve as valuable bioindicators in ecosystem management and forensic entomology, with their unique feeding behavior leading to the accumulation of environmental pollutants in their cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), making them potential indicators of exposure history. This study focuses on CHC degradation dynamics in empty puparia of Lucilia sericata under different environmental conditions for up to 90 days. The three distinct conditions were considered: outdoor-buried, outdoor-above-ground, and indoor environments. Five predominant CHCs, n-Pentacosane (n-C25), n-Hexacosane (n-C26), n-Heptacosane (n-C27), n-Octacosane (n-C28), and n-Nonacosane (n-C29), were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings revealed variations in CHC concentrations over time, influenced by environmental factors, with significant differences at different time points. Correlation heatmap analysis indicated negative correlations between weathering time and certain CHCs, suggesting decreasing concentrations over time. Machine learning techniques Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models explored the potential of CHCs as age indicators. SVM achieved an R-squared value of 0.991, demonstrating high accuracy in age estimation based on CHC concentrations. MLP also exhibited satisfactory performance in outdoor conditions, while SVM and MLP yielded unsatisfactory results indoors due to the lack of significant CHC variations. After comprehensive model selection and performance evaluations, it was found that the XGBoost model excelled in capturing the patterns in all three datasets. This study bridges the gap between baseline and ecological/forensic use of empty puparia, offering valuable insights into the potential of CHCs in environmental monitoring and investigations. Understanding CHCs' stability and degradation enhances blow flies' utility as bioindicators for pollutants and exposure history, benefiting environmental monitoring and forensic entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaima Sharif
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India.
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2
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Sharif S, Wunder C, Khan MK, Qamar A, Amendt J. Cuticular hydrocarbons as weathering biomarkers of empty puparia of the forensically important blowfly Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in soil v/s under room conditions. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111748. [PMID: 37301034 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology uses the age of insects, such as blow flies, to determine a minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin). Recent research has focused on using the analysis of specific cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in adult insects and their empty puparia to estimate their age, as it has been shown that their profile changes are consistent with age. The current work is based on the weathering of five CHCs from empty puparia of Calliphora vicina that were stored in soil (field/outdoor) and non-soil (room/indoor conditions) based pupariation media for a total of six months. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment chamber at a constant temperature of 25 ± 2 °C under constant darkness. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the cuticular hydrocarbons after they were extracted in n-Hexane. n-Pentacosane, n-Hexacosane, n-Heptacosane, n-Octacosane, and n-Nonacosane were the five CHCs investigated. Results showed that CHCs weathered more quickly in the soil than in the non-soil environment. It was also found that the abundance of Heptacosane increased in the samples during the fifth month when stored in a non-soil medium, while the abundances of all five CHCs were not detected after eight weeks onwards in soil pupation medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaima Sharif
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mohd Kaleem Khan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India.
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Forensic Biology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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3
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Fujiwara-Tsujii N, Yasui H. Detection of invasive and native beetle species within trees by chemical analysis of frass. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11837. [PMID: 37481597 PMCID: PMC10363158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several invasive woodborers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) have been found in Japan. Aromia bungii is a worldwide important pest of fruits and ornamental species of the genus Prunus. It invaded Japan in the early 2010s and now causes heavy damage to stone fruit trees. Anoplophora glabripennis and Apriona swainsoni are destructive pests of street, ornamental and horticultural trees. The first step in intercepting these beetles is to detect their presence early in their infestation, as accurate identification is crucial for their management. Ejected frass is a major sign of infestation and likely holds information on the insect. We focused on chemicals in both larvae and frass, and conducted a GC-MS analysis of these three invasive beetles and the native Anoplophora malasiaca. In all four species, 4 or 5 species-specific hydrocarbons were detected in both larvae and frass. These results indicate that analysis of hydrocarbons in frass could allow definitive detection of invasive wood-boring pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Fujiwara-Tsujii
- Division of Core Technology for Pest Control Research, Institute for Plant Protection, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8666, Japan.
| | - Hiroe Yasui
- Division of Core Technology for Pest Control Research, Institute for Plant Protection, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8666, Japan
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Shang Y, Yang F, Ngando FJ, Zhang X, Feng Y, Ren L, Guo Y. Development of Forensically Important Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Intra-Puparial Age Estimation Utilizing Multiple Methods at Constant and Fluctuating Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101607. [PMID: 37238037 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) has the potential to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). Development data and intra-puparial age estimation are significant for PMImin estimation. Previous research has focused on constant temperatures, although fluctuating temperatures are a more real scenario at a crime scene. The current study examined the growth patterns of S. peregrina under constant (25.75 °C) and fluctuating temperatures (18-36 °C; 22-30 °C). Furthermore, differentially expressed genes, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and cuticular hydrocarbons of S. peregrina during the intra-puparial period were used to estimate age. The results indicated that S. peregrina at fluctuating temperatures took longer to develop and had a lower pupariation rate, eclosion rate, and pupal weight than the group at constant temperatures did. Moreover, we found that six DEG expression profiles and ATR-FTIR technology, CHCs detection methods, and chemometrics can potentially estimate the intra-puparial age of S. peregrina at both constant and fluctuating temperatures. The findings of the study support the use of S. peregrina for PMImin estimation and encourage the use of entomological evidence in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fengqin Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fernand Jocelin Ngando
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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5
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Role of juvenile hormone in oogenesis, chemical profile, and behavior of the wasp Mischocyttarus consimilis (Vespidae: Polistinae). CHEMOECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-022-00378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Zhang X, Shang Y, Ren L, Qu H, Zhu G, Guo Y. A Study of Cuticular Hydrocarbons of All Life Stages in Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:108-119. [PMID: 34668022 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), a synanthropic flesh fly species found in different parts of the world, is of medical and forensic importance. Traditional methods of inferring developmental age rely on the life stage of insects and morphological changes. However, once the larvae reach the pupal and adult stage, morphological changes would become barely visible, so that the classic method would be invalid. Here, we studied the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of S. peregrina of the whole life cycle from larval stage to adult stage by GC-MS. Sixty-three compounds with carbon chain length ranging from 8 to 36 were detected, which could be categorized into four classes: n-alkanes, branched alkanes, alkenes, and unknowns. As developmental increased, branched alkanes dominant, and the content of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons is variable, especially for 2-methyl C19, DiMethyl C21, docosane (C22), and tricosane (C23). This study shows that the composition of CHC could be used to determine the developmental age of S. peregrina and aid in postmortem interval estimations in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongke Qu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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7
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Aging-Related Variation of Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Wild Type and Variant Drosophila melanogaster. J Chem Ecol 2022; 48:152-164. [PMID: 35022940 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01344-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The cuticle of all insects is covered with hydrocarbons which have multiple functions. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) basically serve to protect insects against environmental harm and reduce dehydration. In many species, some CHCs also act as pheromones. CHCs have been intensively studied in Drosophila species and more especially in D. melanogaster. In this species, flies produce about 40 CHCs forming a complex sex- and species-specific bouquet. The quantitative and qualitative pattern of the CHC bouquet was characterized during the first days of adult life but remains unexplored in aging flies. Here, we characterized CHCs during the whole-or a large period of-adult life in males and females of several wild type and transgenic lines. Both types of lines included standard and variant CHC profiles. Some of the genotypes tested here showed very dramatic and unexpected aging-related variation based on their early days' profile. This study provides a concrete dataset to better understand the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of CHCs on the fly cuticle. It could be useful to determine physiological parameters, including age and response to climate variation, in insects collected in the wild.
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Li DT, Pei XJ, Ye YX, Wang XQ, Wang ZC, Chen N, Liu TX, Fan YL, Zhang CX. Cuticular Hydrocarbon Plasticity in Three Rice Planthopper Species. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147733. [PMID: 34299353 PMCID: PMC8304831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are organic compounds of the surface lipid layer, which function as a barrier against water loss and xenobiotic penetration, while also serving as chemical signals. Plasticity of CHC profiles can vary depending upon numerous biological and environmental factors. Here, we investigated potential sources of variation in CHC profiles of Nilaparvata lugens, Laodelphax striatellus and Sogatella furcifera, which are considered to be the most important rice pests in Asia. CHC profiles were quantified by GC/MS, and factors associated with variations were explored by conducting principal component analysis (PCA). Transcriptomes were further compared under different environmental conditions. The results demonstrated that CHC profiles differ among three species and change with different developmental stages, sexes, temperature, humidity and host plants. Genes involved in cuticular lipid biosynthesis pathways are modulated, which might explain why CHC profiles vary among species under different environments. Our study illustrates some biological and ecological variations in modifying CHC profiles, and the underlying molecular regulation mechanisms of the planthoppers in coping with changes of environmental conditions, which is of great importance for identifying potential vulnerabilities relating to pest ecology and developing novel pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ting Li
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest AandF University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Ye
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin-Qiu Wang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhe-Chao Wang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest AandF University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest AandF University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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9
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Alotaibi F, Alkuriji M, AlReshaidan S, Alajmi R, Metwally DM, Almutairi B, Alorf M, Haddadi R, Ahmed A. Body Size and Cuticular Hydrocarbons as Larval Age Indicators in the Forensic Blow Fly, Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1048-1055. [PMID: 33274739 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) is one of the most important insects in forensic entomology. Its larval developmental and survival rates are influenced by nutritional resources, temperature, humidity, and geographical regions. The present study investigated the possibility of relying on body size and cuticular hydrocarbon composition as indicators for age estimation of the different larval instars of C. albiceps. Larvae were maintained in standardized laboratory conditions at different experimental temperatures. All larval instars (first, second, and third) were randomly collected for measuring their body sizes and for estimating their cuticular hydrocarbons at different rearing temperatures (30, 35, 40, and 45°C) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that the duration of larval stage was temperature dependent as it gradually decreased on increasing the rearing temperature (30, 35, and 40°C) except 45°C at which larval development was ceased. In contrary, larval body size, in terms of length, width, and weight, was temperature dependent as it gradually increased with larval development on increasing rearing temperature except at 45°C at which larval development was ceased. The GC-MS showed a significant difference in the extracted components of cuticular hydrocarbons between different larval instars reared in the same temperature and between the same larval instar that reared at different temperatures. Furthermore, the highest and lowest amounts of cuticular hydrocarbons were detected at 35 and 40°C, respectively. Overall, larval body size and cuticular hydrocarbon components were temperature dependent within the range 30-40°C, which may suggest them as possible reliable age indicators for estimating the postmortem interval in the field of medicolegal entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayeza Alotaibi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alkuriji
- National Center of Agricultural Technology, Life Science and Environmental Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa AlReshaidan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina M Metwally
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Bassam Almutairi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alorf
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Haddadi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, College of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
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10
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Moore HE, Hall MJR, Drijfhout FP, Cody RB, Whitmore D. Cuticular hydrocarbons for identifying Sarcophagidae (Diptera). Sci Rep 2021; 11:7732. [PMID: 33833323 PMCID: PMC8032779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition and quantity of insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) can be species-specific as well as sexually dimorphic within species. CHC analysis has been previously used for identification and ageing purposes for several insect orders including true flies (Diptera). Here, we analysed the CHC chemical profiles of adult males and females of eleven species of flesh flies belonging to the genus Sarcophaga Meigen (Sarcophagidae), namely Sarcophaga africa (Wiedemann), S. agnata Rondani, S. argyrostoma Robineau-Desvoidy, S. carnaria (Linnaeus), S. crassipalpis Macquart, S. melanura Meigen, S. pumila Meigen, S. teretirostris Pandellé, S. subvicina Rohdendorf, S. vagans Meigen and S. variegata (Scopoli). Cuticular hydrocarbons extracted from pinned specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London using a customised extraction technique were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Time of preservation prior to extraction ranged between a few weeks to over one hundred years. CHC profiles (1) allowed reliable identification of a large majority of specimens, (2) differed between males and females of the same species, (3) reliably associated males and females of the same species, provided sufficient replicates (up to 10) of each sex were analysed, and (4) identified specimens preserved for up to over one hundred years prior to extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Moore
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK.
| | - Martin J R Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- Chemical Ecology Group, School of Chemical and Physical Science, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG, England, UK
| | - Robert B Cody
- JEOL USA, Inc. 11 Dearborn Rd., Peabody, MA, 01969, USA
| | - Daniel Whitmore
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, Rosenstein 1, 70191, Stuttgart, Germany
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11
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MacInnis AE, Higley LG. Competition Among Three Forensically Important Blow Fly Species (Diptera: Calliphoridae): Phormia regina, Lucilia sericata, and Chrysomya rufifacies. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1473-1479. [PMID: 33030207 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Avoiding competition is thought to explain insect successional patterns on carrion, but few studies have looked at competition directly. We use replacement series experiments with three species of blow flies: Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera:Calliphoridae), and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera:Calliphoridae) to characterize competitive relationships. From experimental results, P. regina showed a significant competitive advantage over L. sericata. Infestation of carrion differs between L. sericata and P. regina; specifically, L. sericata oviposits on carrion without any delay, while P. regina typically delays oviposition. Our findings are consistent with the notion that differences in oviposition times represent a mechanism for L. sericata to avoid potential competition. Competition by C. rufifacies differs since C. rufifacies, in the event of a limited food supply, will prey on other maggot species. In replacement series experiments, C. rufifacies killed all P. regina in mixed treatments, representing an ultimate competitive advantage. In the United States, these two species do not often overlap because of differences in seasonal distribution. However, with climate change, phenological separation may grow less distinct. Surprisingly, in replacement series experiments with C. rufifacies and L. sericata, no competitive interactions were observed. In other studies, L. sericata has been shown to form clusters away from predaceous maggots, allowing improved survival, which may account for the absence of predation by C. rufifacies. Finally, this study shows that replacement series models are useful in measuring competition, supporting the notion that interspecific competition between necrophagous insect species may have driven life history traits of those species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber E MacInnis
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
| | - Leon G Higley
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
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12
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Sharma A, Drijfhout FP, Tomberlin JK, Bala M. Cuticular hydrocarbons as a tool for determining the age of Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:236-244. [PMID: 32966626 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Calliphoridae are one of the most important insect groups encountered as evidence collected from a crime scene. Age determination of the immature stages of these necrophagous flies is an important step toward estimating the time of colonization and inferring a minimum postmortem interval (PMImin ) in most instances. To determine if the cuticular hydrocarbons could be used to establish whether the development stages yield characteristics profiles, allowing for age estimation, hydrocarbons were extracted from 1st and 2nd, as well as feeding and post-feeding 3rd instar Chrysomya rufifacies, the hairy maggot blow fly. Extracted hydrocarbons were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with the aim to investigate the changes in chemical profiles of each larval stage. A total of 23 compounds were identified with most of them being alkanes (65%) with carbon chain lengths of 9-33 carbons, alkenes (18%), and methyl-branched alkanes (17%). All the hydrocarbons except pentadecane (C15), hexadecane (C16), and nonacosane (C29) showed significant differences in their expression throughout larval development. For 1st instars, nonane was the most abundant (17% of the total hydrocarbons content) compound. Accounting for 11% and 10% of the cuticular hydrocarbons, tricosane and pentacosane, respectively, were the notable hydrocarbons in 2nd instars. For post-feeding 3rd instars, hentriacontane and tritriacontane were present with relative abundances 18% and 15%, respectively. On average, there was a shift from low to high molecular weight hydrocarbons as the larvae aged. These results indicate the change in hydrocarbons makeup as larvae age and could potentially be used to determine the age of immature C. rufifacies and hence aid in PMImin estimations. However, future research is needed to validate these results under natural conditions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Sharma
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | | | | | - Madhu Bala
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
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de Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Mendonça A, Cardoso CAL, Andrade LHC, Lima SM, Antonialli-Junior WF. New approach to application of mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy in forensic analysis: Study with the necrophagous blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2020; 209:111934. [PMID: 32593690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects can provide clues in a variety of ways to assist in criminal investigations. The FTIR-PAS technique has been successfully used to assess the cuticular chemical profiles of insect samples from different groups and for several goals. However, until now, it has never been used to evaluate samples of forensic interest, despite providing faster results, compared to the methods currently used. In this study, mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy was employed to assess the cuticular chemical profiles of different stages of development of the blow fly Chrysomya megacephala sampled from two distinct populations. The results showed that this technique enabled detection of significant differences between the main vibrational modes of the chemical bonds present in the cuticles of the two populations and the different stages of development of the fly. The method enables identification of the age of individuals collected at the crime scene, as well as the distinction of different populations. Therefore, this methodology could assist in forensic investigations, in both estimating the Postmortem Interval and determining the location where the crime occurred, or whether the body had suffered some type of translocation. The technique provides high reproducibility and fast analysis, so its application for analysis of C. megacephala is a viable option in forensic crime investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C de Paula
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Aylson D M M Eulalio
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Angélica Mendonça
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Claudia A L Cardoso
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Luis H C Andrade
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Grupo de Espectroscopia Óptica e Fototérmica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Sandro M Lima
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Grupo de Espectroscopia Óptica e Fototérmica, Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil
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14
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Lunas BM, de Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Lima-Junior SE, Antonialli-Junior WF, Cardoso CAL. Hydrocarbon and Fatty Acid Composition from Blowfly Eggs Represents a Potential Complementary Taxonomic Tool of Forensic Importance. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1720-1725. [PMID: 31674674 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important contributions of forensic entomology is to assist criminal expertise to determine the postmortem interval, which depends on the duration of the immature stages of insects of forensic interest. On the other hand, the time of development of the different stages varies according to the species; therefore, its identification is essential. Currently, few studies have investigated the use of cuticular hydrocarbons, and none regarding fatty acids, as complementary taxonomic tools to expedite species identification. Therefore, we evaluated whether cuticular hydrocarbons together with fatty acids of eggs of flies of the family Calliphoridae, main group of forensic interest, can be used to distinguish species. The analyses were performed by chromatographic techniques. The results show that there are significant differences between the composition of cuticular hydrocarbons and fatty acids between species and, therefore, they can be used to provide a complementary taxonomic tool to expedite the forensic expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belisa M Lunas
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Michele C de Paula
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sidnei E Lima-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia A L Cardoso
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, 79804-970, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Recinos-Aguilar YM, García-García MD, Malo EA, Cruz-López L, Rojas JC. The Colonization of Necrophagous Larvae Accelerates the Decomposition of Chicken Carcass and the Emission of Volatile Attractants for Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1590-1597. [PMID: 31265073 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The decomposition of a living being involves a series of changes produced by a number of interacting abiotic and biotic factors. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the colonization of blowflies on the decomposition of chicken carcasses and on the emission of sulfur compounds. The loss of the mass of carcasses and the release rate of sulfur compounds were compared for 30 d in chicken carcasses with and without blowflies in field conditions. The tissue degradation was slower in the carcasses without insects compared to those colonized by blowflies. The decomposition stages of fresh, bloated, active decay, and advanced decay were observed in the carcasses without flies; while the decomposition stages of fresh, active decay, advanced decay, and dry remains were identified in carcasses with flies. Two sulfur compounds, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, were present during the entire decomposition process. The emission of these compounds is not directly associated with the presence of the blowflies' immature stages during the whole decomposition process. However, in cadavers with insects, the highest emission of both compounds occurred in day 2, while in cadavers without insects, the peak of emission was observed in day 4. In addition, the presence of the larval stages I and II of Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) matched with the peak of emission of both compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yensy María Recinos-Aguilar
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Maria Dolores García-García
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Murcia, España
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
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16
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Duarte BF, Michelutti KB, Antonialli-Junior WF, Cardoso CAL. Effect of temperature on survival and cuticular composition of three different ant species. J Therm Biol 2019; 80:178-189. [PMID: 30784484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Climatic factors, such as temperature variation, interfere with the survival of insects. To respond to these variations, insects have some specific characteristics. These include water content of the body, thickness of the lipid layer, as well as the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of cuticular chemical components. This study hypothesizes that different ant species respond to temperature changes in different ways and that such differences may be associated with cuticle hydrocarbons (CHCs) and fatty acids. As model ant species, Atta sexdens, Odontomachus bauri and Ectatomma brunneum were used for experimental analyses. Ants were submitted to a water bath for 5 h at different temperatures, and their CHCs and fatty acids were identified and quantified, followed by correlating these chemical compounds with temperature variations and the survival. Temperatures below 30 °C did not affect the survival of the three species. E. brunneum had a higher percentage of survival at temperatures above 30 °C. O. bauri was the most sensitive species with 100% mortality at 40 °C. Survival was found to be unrelated to any of the identified fatty acids. However, CHCs underwent significant quantitative and qualitative variation, as shown by an increased percentage of CHCs with longer chain length of linear alkanes at temperatures above 30 °C. These increase enables these ants to maintain the integrity of their cuticle and survive at temperatures above 30 °C. It can be concluded that the forager ants studied respond differently to temperature variation and that changes in the conformation of CHCs are in line with the ecological characteristics of the different studied species because, they vary in terms of diurnal/nocturnal foraging and types of environments foraged. Among the three species, E. brunneum foragers were found to be more active under adverse conditions and more tolerant to temperature variation with the correspondingly appropriate changes in CHCs composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca F Duarte
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil; Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - Claudia A L Cardoso
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul 79804-970, Brazil.
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17
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Paula MC, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Piva RC, Cardoso CAL, Antonialli-Junior WF. New method for estimating the post-mortem interval using the chemical composition of different generations of empty puparia: Indoor cases. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209776. [PMID: 30571776 PMCID: PMC6301778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most flies of forensic importance are in two superfamilies, the Muscoidea and the Oestroidea, with similar life stages including the puparium. Upon completion of metamorphosis the adult fly emerges from the puparium, leaving behind an exuvia that is of potential significance in forensic investigation. The empty puparium is a durable piece of entomological evidence lasting several years. Through the study of chemical compounds, specifically the hydrocarbons of these puparia, it is possible to identify the species, in addition to how long they have been exposed to weathering and for this reason, these parameters can assist forensic entomologists in estimating long-term postmortem interval (minPMI). In corpses that take a relatively longer time to decompose, insects may use the same corpses for several oviposition cycles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a new method to determine the PMI based on chemical compounds of the puparia from different oviposition cycles of the fly Chrysomya megacephala. The chemical composition of 50 puparia from different cycles of oviposition were evaluated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 60 compounds were identified ranging from C18 to C34, 38 of those were common to all generations. Our results demonstrate that chemical profiles can be used to differentiate puparia collected from successive cycles, and therefore valuable in the estimation of minPMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C. Paula
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Kamylla B. Michelutti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aylson D. M. M. Eulalio
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Raul C. Piva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia A. L. Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - William F. Antonialli-Junior
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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18
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Otte T, Hilker M, Geiselhardt S. Phenotypic Plasticity of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles in Insects. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:235-247. [PMID: 29468480 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The insect integument is covered by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) which provide protection against environmental stresses, but are also used for communication. Here we review current knowledge on environmental and insect-internal factors which shape phenotypic plasticity of solitary living insects, especially herbivorous ones. We address the dynamics of changes which may occur within minutes, but may also last weeks, depending on the species and conditions. Two different modes of changes are suggested, i.e. stepwise and gradual. A switch between two distinct environments (e.g. host plant switch by phytophagous insects) results in stepwise formation of two distinct adaptive phenotypes, while a gradual environmental change (e.g. temperature gradients) induces a gradual change of numerous adaptive CHC phenotypes. We further discuss the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenotypic plasticity of insect CHC profiles by addressing the question at which conditions is CHC phenotypic plasticity beneficial. The high plasticity of CHC profiles might be a trade-off for insects using CHCs for communication. We discuss how insects cope with the challenge to produce and "understand" a highly plastic, environmentally dependent CHC pattern that conveys reliable and comprehensible information. Finally, we outline how phenotypic plasticity of CHC profiles may promote speciation in insects that rely on CHCs for mate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otte
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geiselhardt
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany.
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19
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Moore HE, Butcher JB, Day CR, Drijfhout FP. Adult fly age estimations using cuticular hydrocarbons and Artificial Neural Networks in forensically important Calliphoridae species. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 280:233-244. [PMID: 29107219 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are forensically important as they are known to be one of the first to colonise human remains. The larval stage is typically used to assist a forensic entomologists with adult flies rarely used as they are difficult to age because they remain morphologically similar once they have gone through the initial transformation upon hatching. However, being able to age them is of interest and importance within the field. This study examined the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) of Diptera: Calliphoridae species Lucilia sericata, Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria. The CHCs were extracted from the cuticles of adult flies and analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The chemical profiles were examined for the two Calliphora species at intervals of day 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 and up to day 10 for L. sericata. The results show significant chemical changes occurring between the immature and mature adult flies over the extraction period examined in this study. With the aid of a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), samples were seen to cluster, allowing for the age to be established within the aforementioned time frames. The use of ANNs allowed for the automatic classification of novel samples with very good performance. This was a proof of concept study, which developed a method allowing to age post-emergence adults by using their chemical profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Moore
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, UK.
| | - John B Butcher
- School of Computing and Mathematics, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Charles R Day
- School of Computing and Mathematics, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- Chemical Ecology Group, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
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20
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Optimization of total vaporization solid-phase microextraction (TV-SPME) for the determination of lipid profiles of Phormia regina, a forensically important blow fly species. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:6349-6357. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Moore HE, Pechal JL, Benbow ME, Drijfhout FP. The potential use of cuticular hydrocarbons and multivariate analysis to age empty puparial cases of Calliphora vicina and Lucilia sericata. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1933. [PMID: 28512294 PMCID: PMC5434061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) have been successfully used in the field of forensic entomology for identifying and ageing forensically important blowfly species, primarily in the larval stages. However in older scenes where all other entomological evidence is no longer present, Calliphoridae puparial cases can often be all that remains and therefore being able to establish the age could give an indication of the PMI. This paper examined the CHCs present in the lipid wax layer of insects, to determine the age of the cases over a period of nine months. The two forensically important species examined were Calliphora vicina and Lucilia sericata. The hydrocarbons were chemically extracted and analysed using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry. Statistical analysis was then applied in the form of non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS), permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and random forest models. This study was successful in determining age differences within the empty cases, which to date, has not been establish by any other technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Moore
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- Department of Chemical Ecology, School of Chemical and Physical Science, Keele University, ST5 5BG, England, UK.
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22
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Kranz W, Carroll C, Dixon DA, Goodpaster JV, Picard CJ. Factors Affecting Species Identifications of Blow Fly Pupae Based upon Chemical Profiles and Multivariate Statistics. INSECTS 2017; 8:E43. [PMID: 28398264 PMCID: PMC5492057 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alternative methods for the identification of species of blow fly pupae have been developed over the years that consist of the analyses of chemical profiles. However, the effect of biotic and abiotic factors that could influence the predictive manner for the tests have not been evaluated. The lipids of blowfly pupae (Cochliomyia macellaria, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, and Phormia regina) were extracted in pentane, derivatized, and analyzed by total-vaporization solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TV-SPME GC-MS). Peak areas for 26 compounds were analyzed. Here we evaluated one biotic factor (colonization) on four species of blow flies to determine how well a model produced from lipid profiles of colonized flies predicted the species of flies of offspring of wild-caught flies and found very good species identification following 10 generations of inbreeding. When we evaluated four abiotic factors in our fly rearing protocols (temperature, humidity, pupation substrate, and diet), we found that the ability to assign the chemical profile to the correct species was greatly reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kranz
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Clinton Carroll
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Darren A Dixon
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - John V Goodpaster
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Christine J Picard
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Paula MC, Antonialli-Junior WF, Mendonça A, Michelutti KB, Eulalio ADMM, Cardoso CAL, de Lima T, Von Zuben CJ. Chemotaxonomic Profile and Intraspecific Variation in the Blow Fly of Forensic Interest Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:14-23. [PMID: 28082627 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Necrophagous insects such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are considered crucial in forensic entomology. Identification at species level and determination of larval stage are the basis for estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Insect evidence can also be used in the determination of crime scenes, since body displacement is common. The aim of this study was to determine the chemotaxonomic profile and intraspecific variability of the forensically important blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (F. 1794). Adults were collected in the municipalities of Dourados-MS (Brazil) and Rio Claro-SP (Brazil), and then transferred to the laboratory for oviposition and development of the immature stages. Chemical analysis of cuticular compounds was performed by gas chromatography. Cuticular chemical profiles varied significantly between the two populations, as well as between developmental stages, supporting the use of these compounds as a complementary tool to help identify the species and its stages, along with geographical variability. This could greatly accelerate forensic investigations, eliminating the need to allow the fly larvae to develop until adult stage in order to confirm the species identity and sample origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C Paula
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - William F Antonialli-Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Angélica Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil (; ; )
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Kamylla B Michelutti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago de Lima
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (; )
| | - Cláudio J Von Zuben
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (; )
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Moore HE, Butcher JB, Adam CD, Day CR, Drijfhout FP. Age estimation of Calliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae using cuticular hydrocarbon analysis and Artificial Neural Networks. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 268:81-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Voss SC, Magni P, Dadour I, Nansen C. Reflectance-based determination of age and species of blowfly puparia. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:263-274. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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26
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Bala M, Sharma A. Review of some recent techniques of age determination of blow flies having forensic implications. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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27
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Nansen C. The potential and prospects of proximal remote sensing of arthropod pests. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2016; 72:653-659. [PMID: 26663253 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Bench-top or proximal remote sensing applications are widely used as part of quality control and machine vision systems in commercial operations. In addition, these technologies are becoming increasingly important in insect systematics and studies of insect physiology and pest management. This paper provides a review and discussion of how proximal remote sensing may contribute valuable quantitative information regarding identification of species, assessment of insect responses to insecticides, insect host responses to parasitoids and performance of biological control agents. The future role of proximal remote sensing is discussed as an exciting path for novel paths of multidisciplinary research among entomologists and scientists from a wide range of other disciplines, including image processing engineers, medical engineers, research pharmacists and computer scientists. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nansen
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Braga MV, Pinto ZT, Queiroz MMDC, Blomquist GJ. Effect of age on cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in adult Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2016; 259:e37-47. [PMID: 26775199 PMCID: PMC5295841 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A species-specific complex mixture of highly stable cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) covers the external surface of all insects. Components can be readily analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to obtain a cuticular hydrocarbon profile, which may be used as an additional tool for the taxonomic differentiation of insect species and also for the determination of the age and sex of adult and immature forms. We used GC-MS to identify and quantify the CHCs of female and male Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from one to five days old. CHCs ranged from C21 to C35 for females and from C21 to C37 in males. Major compounds were the same for both sexes and were 2-MeC28, C29:1, n-C29, 15-,13-MeC29, 2-MeC30, C31:1, n-C31 and 15-,13-MeC31. The relative abundance of each component, however, varied with age. Cluster Analysis using Bray-Curtis measure for abundance showed that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles are a strong and useful tool for the determination of age in adult C. putoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vianna Braga
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil.
| | - Zeneida Teixeira Pinto
- Laboratório de Educação Ambiental e em Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil.
| | - Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil; Mestrado Profissional em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Severino Sombra, Av. Expedicionário Oswaldo de Almeida Ramos, 280, Vassouras, RJ 27700-000, Brazil.
| | - Gary James Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CABNR, University of Nevada, Reno, MS330, 1664 North Virginia St, Office 162/145 Howard Medical Building, Reno, NV, USA.
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Abstract
Remote sensing describes the characterization of the status of objects and/or the classification of their identity based on a combination of spectral features extracted from reflectance or transmission profiles of radiometric energy. Remote sensing can be benchtop based, and therefore acquired at a high spatial resolution, or airborne at lower spatial resolution to cover large areas. Despite important challenges, airborne remote sensing technologies will undoubtedly be of major importance in optimized management of agricultural systems in the twenty-first century. Benchtop remote sensing applications are becoming important in insect systematics and in phenomics studies of insect behavior and physiology. This review highlights how remote sensing influences entomological research by enabling scientists to nondestructively monitor how individual insects respond to treatments and ambient conditions. Furthermore, novel remote sensing technologies are creating intriguing interdisciplinary bridges between entomology and disciplines such as informatics and electrical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nansen
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, California 95616;
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Nansen C, Ribeiro LP, Dadour I, Roberts JD. Detection of temporal changes in insect body reflectance in response to killing agents. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124866. [PMID: 25923362 PMCID: PMC4414589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Computer vision and reflectance-based analyses are becoming increasingly important methods to quantify and characterize phenotypic responses by whole organisms to environmental factors. Here, we present the first study of how a non-destructive and completely non-invasive method, body reflectance profiling, can be used to detect and time stress responses in adult beetles. Based on high-resolution hyperspectral imaging, we acquired time series of average reflectance profiles (70 spectral bands from 434-876 nm) from adults in two beetle species, maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) and larger black flour beetles (Cynaus angustus). For each species, we acquired reflectance data from untreated controls and from individuals exposed continuously to killing agents (an insecticidal plant extract applied to maize kernels or entomopathogenic nematodes applied to soil applied at levels leading to ≈100% mortality). In maize weevils (exposed to hexanic plant extract), there was no significant effect of the on reflectance profiles acquired from adult beetles after 0 and 12 hours of exposure, but a significant treatment response in spectral bands from 434 to 550 nm was detected after 36 to 144 hours of exposure. In larger black flour beetles, there was no significant effect of exposure to entomopathogenic nematodes after 0 to 26 hours of exposure, but a significant response in spectral bands from 434-480 nm was detected after 45 and 69 hours of exposure. Spectral bands were used to develop reflectance-based classification models for each species, and independent validation of classification algorithms showed sensitivity (ability to positively detect terminal stress in beetles) and specificity (ability to positively detect healthy beetles) of about 90%. Significant changes in body reflectance occurred at exposure times, which coincided with published exposure times and known physiological responses to each killing agent. The results from this study underscore the potential of hyperspectral imaging as an approach to non-destructively and non-invasively quantify stress detection in insects and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nansen
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Leandro Prado Ribeiro
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ian Dadour
- Centre for Forensic Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John Dale Roberts
- School of Animal Biology and Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, The University of Western Australia, Albany, Western Australia, Australia
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Pechal JL, Moore H, Drijfhout F, Benbow ME. Hydrocarbon profiles throughout adult Calliphoridae aging: A promising tool for forensic entomology. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 245:65-71. [PMID: 25447177 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are typically the first insects to arrive at human remains and carrion. Predictable succession patterns and known larval development of necrophagous insects on vertebrate remains can assist a forensic entomologist with estimates of a minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin) range. However, adult blow flies are infrequently used to estimate the PMImin, but rather are used for a confirmation of larval species identification. Cuticular hydrocarbons have demonstrated potential for estimating adult blow fly age, as hydrocarbons are present throughout blow fly development, from egg to adult, and are stable structures. The goal of this study was to identify hydrocarbon profiles associated with the adults of a North American native blow fly species, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) and a North American invasive species, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart). Flies were reared at a constant temperature (25°C), a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) (h), and were provided water, sugar and powdered milk ad libitum. Ten adult females from each species were collected at day 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 post-emergence. Hydrocarbon compounds were extracted and then identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 37 and 35 compounds were detected from C. macellaria and Ch. rufifacies, respectively. There were 24 and 23 n-alkene and methyl-branched alkane hydrocarbons from C. macellaria and Ch. rufifacies, respectively (10 compounds were shared between species), used for statistical analysis. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the hydrocarbon profiles with significant differences (P<0.001) detected among post-emergence age cohorts for each species, and unique hydrocarbon profiles detected as each adult blow fly species aged. This work provides empirical data that serve as a foundation for future research into improving PMImin estimates made by forensic practitioners and potentially increase the use of adult insects during death investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Hannah Moore
- School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, ST5 5BG Staffordshire, UK.
| | - Falko Drijfhout
- School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, ST5 5BG Staffordshire, UK.
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology and Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Xu H, Ye GY, Xu Y, Hu C, Zhu GH. Age-dependent changes in cuticular hydrocarbons of larvae in Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2014; 242:236-241. [PMID: 25087108 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Necrophagous flies, comprising the first wave of insects present in a cadaver, provide a great potential for more accurate determination of the late postmortem interval (PMI) based on their age. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHs) are a promising age indicator in some insect species, especially for the larvae of necrophagous flies. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to characterize the age-dependent, quantitative changes in CHs of larval Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at 24°C. The majority of low-molecular-weight alkanes (≤C25) and almost all of the alkenes decreased in abundance with larval development. By contrast, the abundance of high-molecular-weight alkanes of chain length greater than C25 gradually increased with age. For several peaks, including peak 28 (pentacosene a), peak 31 (n-C25), peak 43 (n-C27) and peak 68 (n-C31), a highly significant correlation was found between peak ratio (n-C29 divided by each chromatographic peak) and chronological age of the larvae. A mathematical model, derived from multivariate linear regression analysis, was developed for determining age of the larvae based on age-dependent changes in CHs. The estimated larval age based on the CHs had a good linear correlation with the chronological age (R(2)>0.9). These results indicate that CHs has a great potential for determining the age of fly larvae, and concomitantly for the PMI in forensic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, China
| | - Gong-Yin Ye
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Cui Hu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, China; Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Nansen C, Coelho A, Vieira JM, Parra JRP. Reflectance-based identification of parasitized host eggs and adult Trichogramma specimens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 217:1187-92. [PMID: 24363420 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.095661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of imaging and spectroscopy technologies is used in medical diagnostics, quality control in production systems, military applications, stress detection in agriculture, and ecological studies of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In this study, we hypothesized that reflectance profiling can be used to successfully classify animals that are otherwise very challenging to classify. We acquired hyperspectral images from adult specimens of the egg parasitoid genus Trichogramma (T. galloi, T. pretiosum and T. atopovirilia), which are ~1.0 mm in length. We also acquired hyperspectral images from host eggs containing developing Trichogramma instar and pupae. These obligate egg endoparasitoid species are commercially available as natural enemies of lepidopteran pests in food production systems. Because of their minute size and physical resemblance, classification is time consuming and requires a high level of technical experience. The classification of reflectance profiles was based on a combination of average reflectance and variogram parameters (describing the spatial structure of reflectance data) of reflectance values in individual spectral bands. Although variogram parameters (variogram analysis) are commonly used in large-scale spatial research (i.e. geoscience and landscape ecology), they have only recently been used in classification of high-resolution hyperspectral imaging data. The classification model of parasitized host eggs was equally successful for each of the three species and was successfully validated with independent data sets (>90% classification accuracy). The classification model of adult specimens accurately separated T. atopovirilia from the other two species, but specimens of T. galloi and T. pretiosum could not be accurately separated. Interestingly, molecular-based classification (using the DNA sequence of the internally transcribed spacer ITS2) of Trichogramma species published elsewhere corroborates the classification, as T. galloi and T. pretiosum are closely related and comparatively distant from T. atopovirilia. Our results emphasize the importance of using high-spectral and high-spatial resolution data in the classification of organism relatedness, and hyperspectral imaging may be of relevance to a wide range of commercial (i.e. producers of biocontrol agents), taxonomic and evolutionary research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nansen
- The University of Western Australia, School of Animal Biology, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Braga MV, Pinto ZT, de Carvalho Queiroz MM, Matsumoto N, Blomquist GJ. Cuticular hydrocarbons as a tool for the identification of insect species: puparial cases from Sarcophagidae. Acta Trop 2013; 128:479-85. [PMID: 23932943 PMCID: PMC3839396 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The external surface of all insects is covered by a species-specific complex mixture of highly stable, very long chain cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used to identify CHCs from four species of Sarcophagidae, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma, Peckia (Pattonella) intermutans, Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis and Sarcodexia lambens. The identified CHCs were mostly a mixture of n-alkanes, monomethylalkanes and dimethylalkanes with linear chain lengths varying from 23 to 33 carbons. Only two alkenes were found in all four species. S. lambens had a composition of CHCs with linear chain lengths varying from C23 to C33, while the other three species linear chain lengths from 24 to 31 carbons. n-Heptacosane, n-nonacosane and 3-methylnonacosane, n-triacontane and n-hentriacontane occurred in all four species. The results show that these hydrocarbon profiles may be used for the taxonomic differentiation of insect species and are a useful additional tool for taxonomic classification, especially when only parts of the insect specimen are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vianna Braga
- Laboratório de Transmissores de Leishmanioses, Setor de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Zeneida Teixeira Pinto
- Laboratório de Educação Ambiental e em Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
- Doctoral Program in Veterinary Sciences, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Itaguaí, Brazil
| | - Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz
- Laboratório de Transmissores de Leishmanioses, Setor de Entomologia Médica e Forense, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Herman Lent, sala 14, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Nana Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CABNR, University of Nevada, Reno, MS330, 1664 North Virginia Street, Office 162/145 Howard Medical Building, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Gary James Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CABNR, University of Nevada, Reno, MS330, 1664 North Virginia Street, Office 162/145 Howard Medical Building, Reno, NV, USA
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Butcher J, Moore H, Day C, Adam C, Drijfhout F. Artificial neural network analysis of hydrocarbon profiles for the ageing of Lucilia sericata for post mortem interval estimation. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 232:25-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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36
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Moore HE, Adam CD, Drijfhout FP. Potential Use of Hydrocarbons for AgingLucilia sericataBlowfly Larvae to Establish the Postmortem Interval. J Forensic Sci 2012; 58:404-12. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Moore
- Department of Chemical Ecology; School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University; ST5 5BG; Keele; U.K
| | - Craig D. Adam
- School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University; ST5 5BG; Keele; U.K
| | - Falko P. Drijfhout
- Department of Chemical Ecology; School of Physical and Geographical Science, Keele University; ST5 5BG; Keele; U.K
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Volatile organic compounds released by blowfly larvae and pupae: New perspectives in forensic entomology. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 219:215-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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38
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George KA, Archer MS, Toop T. Effects of bait age, larval chemical cues and nutrient depletion on colonization by forensically important Calliphorid and Sarcophagid flies. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 26:188-193. [PMID: 22092481 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2011.00996.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Species colonization patterns on corpses and the frequency of carrion fly oviposition and larviposition are affected by decomposition stage and previous maggot colonization. This study investigated these effects on meat bait colonization by Victorian Diptera of forensic importance. Bait treatments were: 'aged' (aged for 4 days at 22 °C, allowing some decomposition); 'nutrient-depleted' [aged for 4 days at 22 °C with feeding Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae]; 'extract' (fresh bait mixed with liquid formed by feeding C. vicina larvae), and 'fresh' (untreated control bait). Statistical analysis (α = 0.05) revealed that colonization frequency differed significantly among treatments (Welch's F(3,18.83) = 4.66, P < 0.05). Post hoc tests showed that fresh and extract baits were colonized extensively throughout the experiment with no significant difference, whereas the colonization of nutrient-depleted baits was significantly lower. This suggests that larval digestive enzymes, larval excreta and cuticular hydrocarbons have less effect on colonizing Diptera than the nutritional content of meat. The colonization of aged baits did not differ significantly from that of fresh, extract or nutrient-depleted baits. A further experiment testing 'very aged' (aged for 8 days at 28 °C), 'larvae-added' (fresh bait with C. vicina larvae added before placement) and 'fresh' (untreated control) baits revealed that very aged baits were colonized significantly less frequently than either fresh or larvae-added baits (Welch's F(2, 6.17) = 17.40, P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- K A George
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
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Effectiveness of wound cleansing treatments on maggot (Diptera, Calliphoridae) mortality. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 210:12-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Villet MH, Amendt J. Advances in Entomological Methods for Death Time Estimation. FORENSIC PATHOLOGY REVIEWS 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-249-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Roux O, Gers C, Legal L. Ontogenetic study of three Calliphoridae of forensic importance through cuticular hydrocarbon analysis. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 22:309-317. [PMID: 19120957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ontogeny of the cuticular hydrocarbons of three dipterans of importance to forensic entomology, Calliphora vomitoria (Linné), Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) and Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was explored using gas chromatography analysis. The stages examined ranged from eggs to 8-day-old adults. Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles revealed that odd linear alkanes dominate in all three species. Short-chain carbon compounds in larvae and post-feeding larvae were seen to evolve to long-chain carbon compounds in pupae and adults. Discriminant analysis of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles showed a clear differentiation among the different stages (larvae, post-feeding larvae, pupae and adults) and within stages, according to the age of individuals. This study concluded that the postmortem interval can be determined from the composition of cuticular waxes in Calliphoridae in forensic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Roux
- ECOLAB, UMR 5245, CNRS, UPS, INPT, 118, Route de Narbonne, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse F-31062, France
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