Differentiation between Lucilia cuprina and Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae for use in forensic entomology applications

Abstract

Lucilia cuprina and Hemipyrellia ligurriens are forensically important blow flies in many countries. The immature stage, in particular the third instar, of both species are generally similar in morphological appearance. In this study, the use of three main characteristics, the posterior spiracle, the dorsal spines between the first and second thoracic segments, and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, allows for identification of both fly species, with the number of papillae on anterior spiracle being a supportive characteristic in some cases. Comparison of these characteristics is illustrated in detail.

Morphological descriptions for the identification of Hypopygiopsis tumrasvini Kurahashi (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

“…Results of the present study indicate that the third instar larva of H. tumrasvini is similar in general morphology to the closely related blow fly, H. ligurriens (Wiedemann), a fly of forensic importance (Sukontason et al 2007), but can be distinguished based on the key provided. Spines between the prothorax and mesothorax of H. tumrasvini were too similar to be distinguished from those previously reported from H. ligurriens (Sukontason et al 2010). It can be inferred from previous results (Sukontason et al 2004(Sukontason et al , 2010 and the present study that these spines between the prothorax and mesothorax of larvae of members of the tribe Luciliini are probably a unique feature to the group.…”

“…It can be inferred from previous results (Sukontason et al 2004(Sukontason et al , 2010 and the present study that these spines between the prothorax and mesothorax of larvae of members of the tribe Luciliini are probably a unique feature to the group. However, the third instar larva of H. tumrasvini was more morphologically similar to H. ligurriens than to L. cuprina, of which the morphological distinction of these two latter species has already been published (Sukontason et al 2010).…”

Technical note: Development of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at constant temperatures: Applications in estimating postmortem interval

“…The blowfly Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) accounted for 3.4% of 58 insect samples from 50 cases of crime scene investigation in Malaysia [5], and 1.3% of 2115 blowflies collected from northern Thailand [6]. H. ligurriens is distributed mainly in Asia, Australia, and the Palaearctic [7]. It is quite fecund, with a relatively short adult lifespan [8].…”

Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Thailand: Distribution, Morphological Identification and Medical Importance Appraisals

“…Medically important blow fly larvae of Thailand (C. megacephala, A. rufifacies, A. villeneuvi, C. nigripes, L. cuprina, H. ligurriens) have been studied by observing under SEM [23][24][25][26][27][28]. The identification key for third instar of some important blow fly species in Thailand (C. megacephala, A. rufifacies, C. nigripes and L. cuprina) was reported previously by Sukontason et al, [20]. Pupa stage: The pupa is mahogany brown to dark brown in color and coarctate and barrel shaped.…”

“…The main characteristics for identification include body appearance (with or without tubercle), which includes cephalopharyngeal skeleton (size and morphology), spine between the 1 st and 2 nd segments, peritreme (complete or incomplete), posterior spiracle (size, morphology and color) and number of papillae on the anterior spiracle. A simple technique for observing these organs is the clearing technique using potassium hydroxide [18][19][20] and methyl salicylate [21]. Analysis of cuticular muscle attachment sites is reported currently as a new method for species determination in third instar larvae of saprophagous blow flies [22].…”