Using Frons Width to Differentiate Blow Fly Species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Phormia regina (Meigen) and Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau‐Desvoidy) |
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| Authors: | Sarah V Langer BScFS Christopher J Kyle PhD David V Beresford PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada;2. Forensic Science Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada;3. Biology Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau‐Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are morphologically similar blow fly species commonly used for estimating postmortem intervals. Field collection and storage of adults can result in color changes, in particular on calypters and palps; often collected specimens show damage such as wing fray or fungal growth. We measured the frons width: total head width ratio using photographs (ImageJ version 1.49) to differentiate these two species. Both sexes were distinguishable to species, with the greatest difference between males: 12.34% P. terraenovae versus 1.62% P. regina, less so for females: 40.25% P. terraenovae, versus 33.65% P. regina. Incorporating this feature into future blow fly keys would help with distinguishing field‐caught specimens when other features are obstructed. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science forensic entomology Calliphoridae morphology cytochrome oxidase I gene species determination |
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