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Immature blow flies (Calliphoridae) are typically the first colonizers of cadavers. Identification of the early instars using traditional, morphology-based keys is difficult because of their small size, similarity, and simplicity in external morphology. Information derived from molecular genetic data would augment the accurate identification of immature flies. Nine species of blow flies commonly found in southeastern Nebraska were used to examine the utility of molecular-based keys. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) were investigated with 10 common, inexpensive, restriction enzymes from an amplicon of approximately 1500 bp spanning the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. A simple molecular taxonomic key, comprising RFLP from the restriction enzymes HinfI and DraI, enabled the differentiation of all species used. Further development of PCR-RFLP, including more extensive and intensive examination of blow flies, would benefit forensic laboratories in the accurate identification of evidence consisting of immature blow flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the damage done by the northern mole crickets to the golf course during the summer of 2007 in Nebraska. It was the first reported incident where irregualr circular mounds of loose soil and uprooted grass plants surrounded the area. They were seen causing destruction to a Penncross creeping bentgrass putting green on a golf course. Mole crickets lived along the margins of wet areas and moved through damp loose soil. Their hole digging behavior can really cause destruction to the turfs of putting greens in golf courses.