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Correlation of Molecular Expression with Diel Rhythm of Oviposition in Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Implications for Forensic Entomology |
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| Authors: | Kelly A George PhD Melanie S Archer PhD Tes Toop PhD |
| Affiliation: | 1. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Vic., 3220 Australia
Additional information and reprint requests: Kelly A. George, Ph.D. School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Locked Bag 20000 GeelongVic. 3220 Australia E-mail: kelly.george@deakin.edu.au;2. Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 57-83 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Vic., 3006 Australia;3. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Vic., 3220 Australia |
| Abstract: | This study explored the molecular mechanisms potentially underlying blow fly nocturnal oviposition. A behavioral study revealed that Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) possesses a diel rhythm of oviposition in light under 12:12 light/dark conditions. Reversal to 12:12 dark/light resulted in oviposition behavior changing to align with the adjusted regime in most females, but four of 59 experimental females lacked a diel rhythm of oviposition (were arrhythmic). Real-time PCR was used to monitor the molecular expression levels of known circadian genes per and tim in C. vicina to determine whether gene expression and behavior correlated. As with behavior, reversing light/dark conditions changed rhythmic gene expression to align with an adjusted light regime. This suggests that although it is unlikely that C. vicina will colonize dead bodies at night, arrhythmic females and oviposition in the dark was demonstrated. |
| Keywords: | forensic science forensic entomology nocturnal colonization diel oviposition rhythm Calliphora vicina circadian gene expression |
