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Effects of temperature variation on the life cycle of the forensically important Calliphoridae fly Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart 1843) (Diptera)

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Abstract

In the field of forensic entomology, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart 1843) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has proven to be an important species for postmortem interval (PMI) assessment in criminal investigations. The developmental patterns of C. rufifacies exhibit temperature-dependent variations that are geographically specific, and these variations are influenced by seasonal changes. Hence, understanding the geographically specific development patterns of C. rufifacies in response to temperature and seasonal changes is crucial for improving the accuracy of PMI predictions. In the present study, we examined the developmental rates of C. rufifacies across a temperature gradient (20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C). Primary objective of present study was to gather precise developmental data essential for calculating the post-mortem interval (PMI) within varying temperature ranges. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of seasonal variations, encompassing the summer, rainy and winter seasons, on the growth and developmental patterns of C. rufifacies. The results of present studies show that temperature significantly affects the growth and development of C. rufifacies. The length of developmental stages and morphological parameters varied seasonally, with longer duration and colder temperatures in winter and shorter duration and warmer temperatures in summer. The finding that faster development was directly correlated with higher temperatures highlighted the significance of temperature in affecting an insect’s life cycle. Our research highlights the necessity of gathering information on evolution trends that are specific to a given area in order to accurately calculate PMI in forensic entomological investigations. Understanding the interactions between temperature, seasonal variation, and morphological traits is critical for establishing baseline data for PMI estimates. The accuracy of PMI estimates will ultimately increase thanks to this information, and forensic entomologists will have even more opportunities to contribute to forensic investigations.

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The data and the results used to support the findings of this study are presented in the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Principal and H. O. D. Dept. of Zoology, Govt. College of Arts and Science, MH. India, for providing all the required facilities to carry out the experiments. The authors are thankful to Dr. Tyler A. Elliott, Research Associate, Adamowicz Lab, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Canada, for helping with data analysis and proofreading.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Zoology, Kelkar Education Trusts V G Vaze College of Arts Science and Commerce Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Sarika Bansode

  2. Department of Zoology, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, 431004, Maharashtra, India

    Vitthal More

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  1. Sarika Bansode
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  2. Vitthal More
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Correspondence to Sarika Bansode.

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Highlights

• Chrysomya rufifacies is pivotal for precise postmortem interval (PMI) determination in forensic entomology.

• Temperature significantly influences growth rates of Chrysomya rufifacies, with higher temperatures leading to faster development.

• Seasonal variations impact developmental phases, highlighting the need for region-specific data in PMI calculations.

• Understanding temperature and morphological features is crucial for establishing accurate baseline PMI estimates.

• This research enhances PMI accuracy, empowering forensic entomologists in criminal investigations.

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Bansode, S., More, V. Effects of temperature variation on the life cycle of the forensically important Calliphoridae fly Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart 1843) (Diptera). Int J Trop Insect Sci 44, 747–757 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-024-01189-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-024-01189-6

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