1. MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION USING MTDNA (COI GENE) AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF A FORENSIC CALLIPHORIDAE FLY CHRYSOMYA RUFIFACIES (MACQUART 1843) by S.A. BANSODE AND V.R. MORE

Abstract

In forensic entomology insect is used to determine a minimum post-mortem interval (PMI min). A PMI estimation is based either on species specific developmental rates or on succession patterns and species diversity on the carrion. Hence correct species identification is a very important step in forensic entomology. Unfortunately, lack of taxonomist or sufficient keys to identify the species lead to occasional errors in species identification. The eggs or larvae of many forensically important dipteran species are particularly difficult to distinguish morphologically and incorrect identification can seriously harm an investigation. To overcome the limitations of morphology-based identification, molecular identification using mtDNA (COI gene) performed by sequencing fragment of 658 bp of COI gene. This study emphasizes on identification of Ch. rufifacies, one of the forensically important hairy blowfly and a myiasis causing agent.Scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe distinguishing characteristics of Ch. rufifacies like pattern of folding in frontal field, number of anterior spiracles, posterior spiracles, number of tubercles, structure of button, spiracular hair and middle sacrum.