Do necrophagous blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) lay their eggs in wounds? Experimental data and implications for forensic entomology

This study investigate the factors that affect the oviposition sites of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) (Meigen, 1826), a very common blow fly species of forensic interest. Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) have an highly developed olfactory system that allows them to detect corpses at a great distance [1–4]. It is frequently reported in forensic entomology manuals that once on the cadaver, blowflies lay their eggs in natural orifices and wounds [5–10]. The presence of other eggs, larvae or adult individuals can also act as an attractive signal to gravid females and can increase the likelihood of oviposition in a given area [1,11–13].
Source: Forensic Science International - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research