ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

DNA-Based Identification and Molecular Systematics of Forensically Important Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Sperling, FAH
CW 405 Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton,

Wells, JD
Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL

Pape, T
Swedish Museum of Natural History,

(Received 10 May 2000; accepted 17 October 2000)

Abstract

Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic indicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficult or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in many instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. We developed a database of mitochondrial DNA sequence data that makes it possible to identify all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the USA. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyzed, including some of no forensic importance that were included for purposes of phylogenetic comparisons, were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia, Blaesoxipha, Ravinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Musca (Muscidae).

Keywords:
forensic science, entomology, mtDNA, cytochrome oxidase, species identification, maggot, death investigation, postmortem interval estimation, molecular systematics

Paper ID: JFS15105J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15105J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.