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Simple Summary: Flies are often associated with urban waste, myiasis and decomposing bodies. Helicobia aurescens is found in carcasses and could be useful to forensic entomologists in the determination of the postmortem interval. However, a few studies are available regarding the morphology and biology of this species. We describe aspects of the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A lower temperature affected the flesh fly development, increasing the total development time. The immature morphology was very similar to those of the others sarcophagids. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the eggshells. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The anterior spiracles have six or seven ramifications aligned regularly at the second instar. But, on the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparia are similar to that of the third-instar larvae. Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temperature is an abiotic factor that greatly influences the development of insects. The larval development of H. aurescens lasts longer at 27 ± 1 °C than it does at 29 ± 1 °C, affecting the growth of newly hatched larvae into adults. The females larviposited three times more at 27 °C than they did at 29 °C, and the number of days laying larvae was also greater. At 27 °C, they laid larvae for 38 days, whereas, at 29 °C, the females larviposited for 21 days. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the exochorion with SEM, as in the other sarcophagid species. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The second instar has anterior spiracles present on the first thoracic segment, with six or seven ramifications aligned regularly. On the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparium morphology is similar to that of the third-instar larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a colonizer of cadavers in the Neotropical Region. Nevertheless, data on development for the P. (P.) chrysostoma (e.g., instar duration) and behavioral strategies used by the species for locating and colonizing a corpse are scant. We aimed to explore bionomic and reproductive aspects of the flesh fly P. (P.) chrysostoma, and in this article we: (a) provide quantitative data on the life cycle of P. (P.) chrysostoma; (b) present bionomic measurements (length and weight) of larvae and pupae; (c) describe intrauterine egg and larvae development; and (d) analyze the ovo/larviposition behavior by gravid females. Females showed ovaries with discernible eggs and larvae between 8 and 10 days (x̅ = 23.3 eggs/female). This study reports the first observation of egg deposition, an atypical behavior for the species. The average development time for immature stages was 22.24 h and 21.36 h for 1st and 2nd respectively, and 3rd showed an average development time of 80.47 h. Pupa had the longest duration (x̅ = 295.69 h). A direct increase was observed in weight (P < 0.05) and length (P < 0.05) throughout time. The average survival time of males and females is approximately 30 days. This study expands the knowledge on P. (P.) chrysostoma, such as facultative ovoviviparity under laboratory conditions and the life cycle, which may benefit future studies for accuracy in entomology-based estimation of minimum post-mortem interval (min PMI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of imidacloprid insecticide, on the flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis, (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a medically and veterinary significant species associated with myiasis. Lethal (0.02%) and sub‐lethal (0.004%) doses were administered over 24 and 48 h, focusing on midgut histopathological, ultrastructural and biochemical alterations. Imidacloprid‐induced disruptions in physiological and metabolic functions, leading to adult fly mortality. Histological and cytological analyses revealed significant cellular changes, including cell degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, chromatin condensation, irregular epithelial borders, disrupted peritrophic membrane and the release of cell components into the midgut lumen. Biochemical analyses demonstrated a decrease in total protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents, correlating with insecticide concentration and duration. Antioxidant enzymes, particularly glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), resulted in a significant increase compared to the control, proportional to time and concentration. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of imidacloprid‐induced toxicity in the midgut of Sarcophaga ruficornis, emphasizing its potential for effective pest population management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding which factors make an individual susceptible to parasitism provides insight on how a parasite infects a host. Numerous factors such as habitat characteristics, body size, and sex have shown differential impacts on parasitism rates. Trends in parasitism rate often exist for similar taxonomic groups, so expanding research to new species helps test the robustness of such trends. A chelonian-specific ectoparasite, Cistudinomyia cistudinis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), has been documented in case studies dating back a century. Almost all reports of infection by this flesh fly are of a single or few turtles, so there is a lack of information regarding the population dynamics of infection. This lack of information means little is known about which factors make a turtle more or less likely to be parasitized. In this work, we compared the occurrences of parasitism in ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) populations across multiple seasons from 2 different habitats in northeastern Kansas (North Topeka and Lawrence). At the population level, we found a significantly higher number of parasitized turtles in the Lawrence population. Within the Lawrence population, we found females were more likely to be parasitized. This study sets baseline infection rates for a long-lived vertebrate host that can help better understand the reasons for parasitism both among and within populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temperature is an abiotic factor that greatly influences the development of insects. The larval development of H. aurescens lasts longer at 27 ± 1 °C than it does at 29 ± 1 °C, affecting the growth of newly hatched larvae into adults. The females larviposited three times more at 27 °C than they did at 29 °C, and the number of days laying larvae was also greater. At 27 °C, they laid larvae for 38 days, whereas, at 29 °C, the females larviposited for 21 days. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the exochorion with SEM, as in the other sarcophagid species. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The second instar has anterior spiracles present on the first thoracic segment, with six or seven ramifications aligned regularly. On the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparium morphology is similar to that of the third-instar larvae.

The "beautiful viviparous fly", Wohlfahrtia magnifica, may have a magnificent appearance due to its striking morphology; however, it is a potentially deadly agent of obligate traumatic myiasis in humans and animals, with a serious impact on welfare and economics. The fly is found across the Palearctic realm, including the Western Balkan region, with reports from former Yugoslavian countries from the first half of the 20th century. In this paper, a recent case of wohlfahrtiosis recorded in Northern Serbia is evidenced using morphological and molecular techniques. Larvae were collected from two adult sheep with severe hoof myiasis and two young sheep with genital and interdigital myiasis. Morphological identification was performed for adults bred from the infested vulva and third-stage larvae (L3) collected from the hoof wounds, supported with barcoding sequences of the COI gene obtained from larval pairs from the hoof wounds of older and the genitalia of younger sheep. W. magnifica was identified according to the appearance of male fly terminalia and the morphology of L3, which was confirmed after the comparison of representative sequences of the COI gene (deposited in GenBank™ under accession numbers MT027108–MT027114) to those available in GenBank™. This finding represents the first reported case of wohlfahrtiosis in the Western Balkans in 80 years, highlighting the need to re-inform relevant stakeholders to achieve adequate disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myiasis is a condition characterized by fly larvae infestation, most common in tropical regions, but with a risk of occurring anywhere in the world. Here, we report a case of nasal myiasis caused by a sarcophagid fly in a critically ill COVID-19 patient hospitalized in a reallocated ICU department in Serbia and discuss procedures that could prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in reallocated ICU departments worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “beautiful viviparous fly”, Wohlfahrtia magnifica, may have a magnificent appearance due to its striking morphology; however, it is a potentially deadly agent of obligate traumatic myiasis in humans and animals, with a serious impact on welfare and economics. The fly is found across the Palearctic realm, including the Western Balkan region, with reports from former Yugoslavian countries from the first half of the 20th century. In this paper, a recent case of wohlfahrtiosis recorded in Northern Serbia is evidenced using morphological and molecular techniques. Larvae were collected from two adult sheep with severe hoof myiasis and two young sheep with genital and interdigital myiasis. Morphological identification was performed for adults bred from the infested vulva and third-stage larvae (L3) collected from the hoof wounds, supported with barcoding sequences of the COI gene obtained from larval pairs from the hoof wounds of older and the genitalia of younger sheep. W. magnifica was identified according to the appearance of male fly terminalia and the morphology of L3, which was confirmed after the comparison of representative sequences of the COI gene (deposited in GenBank™ under accession numbers MT027108–MT027114) to those available in GenBank™. This finding represents the first reported case of wohlfahrtiosis in the Western Balkans in 80 years, highlighting the need to re-inform relevant stakeholders to achieve adequate disease control.

Myiasis is a condition characterized by fly larvae infestation, most common in tropical regions, but with a risk of occurring anywhere in the world. Here, we report a case of nasal myiasis caused by a sarcophagid fly in a critically ill COVID-19 patient hospitalized in a reallocated ICU department in Serbia and discuss procedures that could prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in reallocated ICU departments worldwide.

Abstract Background The flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis is well known for its medical and veterinary importance in causing myiasis in humans and animals. The conventional use of chemical pesticides for controlling insect pests has resulted in environmental pollution besides posing serious hazards to non-target organisms and the development of pest resistance against these compounds. Considering the various harmful and adverse effects of chemical pesticides, an alternative and safe approach for the pest management has to be explored. The plant extracts derived from plants are eco-friendly in nature, easily biodegradable, and can be used as botanical pesticides. Results Extracts from root of the medicinal plant Withania somnifera were assessed for their toxicity and insect growth regulatory activity when administered to larvae of S. ruficornis. Topical administration of root extracts of W. somnifera to 0–3-day-old third instar larvae of S. ruficornis resulted into severe disruption of development, moulting, and metamorphosis producing several detrimental effects such as toxicity, prolongation of larval life, ecdysial stasis, abnormal pupariation, reduced normal pupariation and adult emergence, and development of pupal-adult mosaics and adultoids. The LC50 values in topical application of root extracts of W. somnifera were 28.19, 43.49, 47.48, and 48.16 g/μL against S. ruficornis third instar day 0, 1, 2, and 3 larvae, respectively. Conclusion These effects are similar to those observed as a consequence of the administration of juvenile hormone analogs (juvenoids) and may be due to interference with the normal hormonal mechanism of moulting and metamorphosis. This clearly demonstrates that the root extracts of W. somnifera may be used as an insect growth regulator for the control and management of S. ruficornis along with other bio-rational approaches in integrated pest management programs.

Seasonal changes in temperature and day length are distinct between rural and urban areas due to urban warming and the presence of artificial light at night. Many studies have focused on the impacts of these ubiquitous signatures on daily biological events, but empirical studies on their impacts on insect seasonality are limited. In the present study, we used the flesh fly Sarcophaga similis as a model insect to determine the impacts of urbanization on the incidence and timing of diapause (dormancy), not only in the laboratory but also in rural and urban conditions. In the laboratory, diapause entry was affected by night-time light levels as low as 0.01 lux. We placed fly cages on outdoor shelves in urban and rural areas to determine the timing of diapause entry; it was retarded by approximately four weeks in urban areas relative to that in rural areas. Moreover, almost all flies in the site facing an urban residential area failed to enter diapause, even by late autumn. Although an autumnal low temperature in the urban area would mitigate the negative effect of artificial light at night, strong light pollution seriously disrupts the flesh fly seasonal adaptation.

Background: Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are considered as myiasis agents and important evidences in forensic investigations. However, their use has been restricted because, at all larval stages and female adults, morphological species identification is difficult or very challenging. This study investigated to test utility of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mt-COI) sequences for differentiation of six forensically important Iranian flesh flies namely, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, S. flagellifera, S. hirtipes, S. aegyptica, S. africa and S. argyrostoma. Methods: Male specimens were morphologically identified to species level and then the genomic DNA of the flies were extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against mt-COI gene. The PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were analyzed for the species specific restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Results: Rate of genetic variation between species was 6–10% which was enough to find restriction enzymes (RE) that were able to produce species-specific RFLP profiles. Combinations of three REs: BsrFI, RsaI and HinfI, provided diagnostic bands for identification of the six Sarcophaga species. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that molecular markers such as RFLPs enhancing the use of evidence from flesh flies in forensic investigation. However, lack proper restriction sites in the COI region inhibited introduction of a single restriction enzyme for easy species identification. It is recommended to apply larger part of DNA such as combination of COI and COII genes to provide better RFLP markers for species identification of flesh flies.

Background: Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are considered as myiasis agents and important evidences in forensic investigations. However, their use has been restricted because, at all larval stages and female adults, morphological species identification is difficult or very challenging. This study investigated to test utility of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mt-COI) sequences for differentiation of six forensically important Iranian flesh flies namely, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, S. flagellifera, S. hirtipes, S. aegyptica, S. africa and S. argyrostoma. Methods: Male specimens were morphologically identified to species level and then the genomic DNA of the flies were extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against mt-COI gene. The PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were analyzed for the species specific restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Results: Rate of genetic variation between species was 6–10% which was enough to find restriction enzymes (RE) that were able to produce species-specific RFLP profiles. Combinations of three REs: BsrFI, RsaI and HinfI, provided diagnostic bands for identification of the six Sarcophaga species. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that molecular markers such as RFLPs enhancing the use of evidence from flesh flies in forensic investigation. However, lack proper restriction sites in the COI region inhibited introduction of a single restriction enzyme for easy species identification. It is recommended to apply larger part of DNA such as combination of COI and COII genes to provide better RFLP markers for species identification of flesh flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work includes a detailed morphological study of flesh fly stages, Sarcophaga africa (Wiedemann) which was wide spreaded in different localities of Kurdistan region-Iraq. The specimens were collected from March until July 2012. All stages have been described in detail. Taxonomic key have been formulated to isolate the larval instars. The important parts have been drawing. Some ecological information of the species, localities of collection and its date have been mentioned.

A new species, Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) mersinensis sp. nov. is described from the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The male terminalia are documented with line drawings, photographs and scanning electron microscope images. The species is compared with the two most similar species, Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) baudeti (Lehrer) and Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) theodori (Lehrer), both known from Israel. A key is provided to the western Palaearctic species of Pandelleisca Rohdendorf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis is well known for its medical and veterinary importance in causing myiasis in humans and animals. The conventional use of chemical pesticides for controlling insect pests has resulted in environmental pollution besides posing serious hazards to non-target organisms and the development of pest resistance against these compounds. Considering the various harmful and adverse effects of chemical pesticides, an alternative and safe approach for the pest management has to be explored. The plant extracts derived from plants are eco-friendly in nature, easily biodegradable, and can be used as botanical pesticides. Results: Extracts from root of the medicinal plant Withania somnifera were assessed for their toxicity and insect growth regulatory activity when administered to larvae of S. ruficornis. Topical administration of root extracts of W. somnifera to 0–3-day-old third instar larvae of S. ruficornis resulted into severe disruption of development, moulting, and metamorphosis producing several detrimental effects such as toxicity, prolongation of larval life, ecdysial stasis, abnormal pupariation, reduced normal pupariation and adult emergence, and development of pupal-adult mosaics and adultoids. The LC50 values in topical application of root extracts of W. somnifera were 28.19, 43.49, 47.48, and 48.16 g/μL against S. ruficornis third instar day 0, 1, 2, and 3 larvae, respectively. Conclusion: These effects are similar to those observed as a consequence of the administration of juvenile hormone analogs (juvenoids) and may be due to interference with the normal hormonal mechanism of moulting and metamorphosis. This clearly demonstrates that the root extracts of W. somnifera may be used as an insect growth regulator for the control and management of S. ruficornis along with other bio-rational approaches in integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A new species of Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall, 1933, S. terezinhae sp. nov., is described based on male specimens collected in traps baited with rotting crabs in a mangrove forest in the state of Pará, eastern Brazilian Amazon. This species differs from congeneric species in having vesica with a row of toe-like projections. We provide a key to the species of the genus.

The mitochondrial genome of Mesomelena mesomelaena (Loew, 1848) is the first to be sequenced in the flesh fly subfamily Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). The 14,559 bp mitogenome contains 37 typical metazoan mitochondrial genes: 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and 22 transfer RNA genes, with the same locations as in the insect ground plan. All the protein-coding genes have the start codon ATN, except for cox1 (TCG). Eight protein-coding genes have the stop codon TAA, while the remaining five have the stop codon T (cox1, cox2, nad5, and nad4) or TAG (cytb). Synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates (Ks and Ka) for each protein-coding gene indicate that these genes evolved primarily under negative (or purifying) selection (Ka < Ks). Phylogeny of Sarcophagidae is proposed based on all the sarcophagid mitogenomes in GenBank, and the subfamily topology is reconstructed as (Sarcophaginae (Paramacronychiinae, Miltogramminae)).

Many temperate insects enter diapause (dormancy) for overwintering in response to short days (long nights). A latitudinal cline in the critical day lengths for the photoperiodic induction of diapause has been reported in various insect species. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying this cline have remained elusive. We approached this issue in the flesh fly Sarcophaga similis, in which the photoperiodic time measurement system meets the "external coincidence model." In this model, measuring day lengths depends on whether the photoinducible phase (φi), determined by a circadian clock, is exposed to light or not. First, we detected a clear latitudinal cline in the critical day lengths of flies collected from 4 localities at different latitudes. The phase positions of the φi, which can be verified by night interruption photoperiods, also showed a clear latitudinal cline. This result supports the hypothesis that the latitudinal cline in the critical day length is produced by the difference in the phase positions of the φi among different strains. A sexual difference in the critical day length for photoperiodic induction has also been detected in various species. In this study, a sexual difference in the critical day length was observed in the southern strains but there was no sexual difference in the phase positions of the φi. This result indicates that both sexes measure photoperiods in the same manner. Males are less sensitive than females to the light pulse given at the φi, suggesting a quantitative difference in the photoperiodic time measurement and counter systems. This study clearly reveals that distinct mechanisms induce latitudinal and sexual differences in the critical day length for the photoperiodic induction of diapause in a fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Flesh flies are insects of forensic importance worldwide, including Thailand. • Correct species identification of flesh flies is a mandatory step before applying in forensic investigations. • Our study demonstrates that wing morphometric analysis is a useful additional method for flesh fly identification. Abstract Flesh flies are insects of forensic importance as the larvae associated with human remains can be used to estimate a minimum post-mortem interval (PMI min) in most cases. And, because life-history traits can vary across species, correct identification is a mandatory step before being used as evidence. Adult flesh flies are extremely similar in general appearance, which causes difficulty in species identification as it is largely based on the morphology of the male genitalia; this also makes it difficult to identify females. Currently, landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of insect wings has proven to be a valuable tool for species identification. Herein, we applied wing morphometric analysis of 524 flesh fly specimens comprising 12 species from Thailand. The right wing of each specimen was removed, mounted on a microscope slide, photographed, and digitized using 18 landmarks. Wing shape variation among genera and species were analyzed using canonical variate analysis, while wing shape variation between sexes of each species was analyzed using discriminant function analysis. A cross-validation test was used to evaluate the reliability of classification. Results of this study demonstrate wing shape can be used to separate genera and species, and distinguish between sexes of the same species, with high reliability. Therefore, the landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of wings is a useful additional method for species and sex discrimination of flesh flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTThis study aims to elucidate the bionomy of Peckia(Sarcodexia) lambens and Oxysarcodexia amorosa to provide data for medical, veterinary and forensic entomology analyses. We analyzed larval stage duration (L1–L3), weight of the mature larvae (L3), pupal stage duration, L1–adult duration, adult emergence and viability of larvae and adults of both species. Larval viability of P. (S.) lambens was 82% and the mean duration of the larval stage was 3.51 ± 0.99 days. The mature larvae had a mean weight of 33.67 ± 7.13 mg. The mean duration of the pupal stage was 8.26 ± 0.93 days and the mean duration of the L1–adult was 11.53 ± 1.22 days. Mean lifespan for females and males was 39.33 ± 1.52 and 57.33 ± 4.72 days, respectively. Larval viability of O. amorosa was 76% and mean duration of larval stage was 3.51 ± 0.64 days. Mature larvae had a mean weight of 28.28 ± 3.38 mg. Mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.14 ± 0.63 days and mean duration of the L1–adult was 13.60 ± 0.69 days. Mean lifespan for females and males was 83.66 ± 15.94 and 84.00 ± 19.97 days, respectively. Oxysarcodexia amorosa showed a L1–adult stage longer than P. (S.) lambens; however both species showed low viability. O. amorosa laid more larvae than P. (S.) lambens, this fact may occur because O. amorosa had longer life duration.

Myiasis of amphibians is one example of parasitoidism in which the body of these vertebrates is infested by fly larvae. Only four families of Diptera have species reported as myiasigenous of amphibians: Chloropidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. The latter is the only family for which cases of myiasis have been reported for the Neotropics, with observations from Nicaragua to Argentina. As part of a project to evaluate the conservation status of amphibian species in Mexico, five cases of myiasis were recorded in three frog species belonging to the families Hylidae, Ranidae and Craugastoridae. This study presents the first records of myiasis by a sarcophagid in Mexico, expands the geographical distribution of Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) bufonivora, reports new amphibian hosts for this parasitoid fly, and provides new details of both sarcophagid larvae and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Education & Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: A new species, Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) maxima sp. nov., supported by both morphological and DNA barcoding data, is described from Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. The major morphological features of the new species are listed, and the male terminalia are documented with both photography and scanning electron microscopy. Sarcophaga alcicornis Hardy, 1932 is transferred from subgenus Lioproctia Enderlein to Sarcorohdendorfia Baranov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Morphological changes within the puparium of Sarcophaga peregrina were observed. • The intrapuparial changes under seven temperatures were used to estimate the PMI. • Twelve sub-stages were divided to indicate the age of pupae. • Certain structures were used individually to estimate intrapuparial age. Sarcophaga peregrina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a widely distributed species in the Palearctic, Oriental and Australian regions. Numerous studies and case reports have confirmed the value of this species in forensic investigations, but methods for estimating the age of the intrapuparial period of this species are lacking. In this study, S. peregrina pupae were sampled at 16 °C, 19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C, and 34 °C. Morphological changes within the puparium were observed under a stereomicroscope. The results of the study showed that S. peregrina could complete its intrapuparial development at each of the seven tested constant temperatures. As the temperature increased, the average minimum duration of the intrapuparial period of S. peregrina decreased from 706.7 ± 28.1 h at 16 °C to 170.7 ± 4.6 h at 34 °C. The intrapuparial morphological changes of S. peregrina can be divided into 12 sub-stages. While some structures such as the compound eyes, mouthparts, antennae, thorax, legs, wings, and abdomen can be used individually to estimate intrapuparial age, we observed all these structures with local magnification photographs and classified the developmental process of these structures into 6–11 stages. The time range for the appearance of each sub-stage or structure was recorded in detail. The results of this study provide important basic data for estimating the minimum postmortem interval using the intrapuparial morphology of S. peregrina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Thai indigenous knowledge , Stemona plant has traditionally been used as insecticide on plantations. Recently, S. collinsiae extract was showed to be an anti-feedant and growth inhibitor and to exert strong insecticidal activity. Here, the insecticidal activity of S. collinsiae root extract against Parasarcophaga ruficornis is studied. The larvicidal and pupicidal activities of the ethanolic root extract of S. collinsiae were tested using contact toxicity tests, and adulticidal activity was tested using the topical contact toxicity and sugar bait methods The ethanolic extract at concentration ranging of 0.3–320 mg/larva for the direct contact toxicity test and from 0.3 to 3.2 mg/cm 2 /larva for the secondary contact toxicity test showed 3.0–51.0 and 1.0–94.0% corrected mortality, respectively. Against third-instar larvae, the LD 50 concentrations of the ethanolic extract were 31.7 ± 0.0 mg/larva and 1.4 ± 0.0 mg/cm 2 /larva for direct and secondary contact toxicity tests, respectively. Pupae were not eliminated at all concentrations of the ethanolic extract. Against adult flies, which were killed via oral administration, the LD 50 concentration of the ethanolic extract was 0.145 ± 0.070 g extract/g glucose. Thus, the ethanolic extract of S. collinsiae was capable of eliminating P. ruficornis in larval and adult stages via topical and ingestion administration, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy beaches are among the most impacted ecosystems worldwide, and the effects of urbanization on the biodiversity of these habitats are largely unknown, particularly in Brazil. We investigated the composition and structure of assemblages of sarcosaprophagous insects (Diptera: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae) on six sandy beaches exposed to differential levels of human impact in Pernambuco State, Brazil. In total, 20,672 adults of 40 species were collected, of which 70% were Calliphoridae. Sarcophagidae had the highest diversity with 26 species of nine genera. A strong overlap in the composition of the assemblages across the six beaches was observed, with only a few species being restricted to one type of beach. The flesh flies Dexosarcophaga carvalhoi (Lopes), Peckia intermutans (Walker), and Titanogrypa larvicida (Lopes) occurred exclusively in beaches under low anthropogenic impact. Species with strong medical and veterinary importance such as Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) occurred even in beaches under low human presence. The invasive species Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and Chrysomya megacephala (F.) (Calliphoridae) were dominant in all beaches, which exposes the vulnerability of sandy beaches to exotic species. Our data imply that sarcosaprophagous flies can be used as early biological indicators to suggest urbanization in coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is an insect neuropeptide mainly involved in fat body energy mobilization. In flies ( Phormia regina , Sarcophaga crassipalpis ), bugs ( Pyrrhocoris apterus ) and cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana ) AKH was also demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of digestion. This makes AKH an important peptide for anautogenous female flies that need to feed on a supplementary protein meal to initiate vitellogenesis, the large scale synthesis of yolk proteins and their uptake by the developing oocytes. Flesh fly AKH, originally identified as Phormia terraenovae hypertrehalosemic hormone ( Phote HrTH), functions through activation of the AKH receptor (AKHR). This is a G protein-coupled receptor that is the orthologue of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. Pharmacological characterization indicated that the receptor can be activated by two related dipteran AKH ligands with an EC 50 value in the low nanomolar range, whereas micromolar concentrations of the Tribolium castaneum AKH were needed. Consistent with the energy mobilizing function of AKH, the receptor transcript levels were most abundant in the fat body tissue. Nonetheless, Sarcophaga crassipalpis AKHR transcript levels were also high in the brain, the foregut and the hindgut. Interestingly, the receptor transcript numbers were reduced in almost all measured tissues after protein feeding. These changes may enforce the use of ingested energy carrying molecules prior to stored energy mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has shown that male flesh flies (Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart) exhibit an ontogeny of behaviour from eclosion through sexual maturity that includes extensive changes in the expression of aggressive, non-aggressive interactive and non-interactive behaviours. To determine how the presence of a female flesh fly influences the manifestation of these behaviours, male flesh flies of different ages post-eclosion are paired with same-age females and their behaviours are monitored in a simple arena during a 50-min observation period. All flies are socially isolated until pairing. Although the levels of expression of aggressive and non-aggressive interactive behaviours are depressed relative to previous findings in male-opponent pairs, the ontogeny of aggression still occurs as indicated by a significant increase, with age, in the agonistic behaviour 'hold'. Similar to male-opponent pairs and individual males, the performance by males of the non-interactive behaviours 'walking' and 'standing' diminishes, whereas 'upside-down' increases with age. By contrast, 'grooming' shows a significant age-related decline. No courtship behaviours are observed in the males, although the aggressive behaviour 'hold' is a significant transition to mating. Females show no obvious courtship or rejection behaviours, although the significant increase in 'upside-down' with age could possibly be a behavioural gateway to mating. The results of this study indicate that extensive age-related changes encompassing the entire behavioural repertoire are intrinsic to male flesh flies and persist under a variety of different social contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note we review records of myiasis in poison frogs collected in various locations in Peru during 1982-2005 and present evidence that larger and medium-sized poison frogs (Epipedobates) are infected with sarcophagid fly larvae.