Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis |
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| Authors: | Leon G. Higley Ph.D. Tierney R. Brosius Ph.D. Karl J. Reinhard Ph.D. David Carter Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE;2. Department of Biology, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL;3. Forensic Science Program, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI |
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| Abstract: | We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft‐bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30–90 sec in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and vortexed in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts until all puparia appeared clean (with our samples this required a total of 60–120 sec). (iv) Specimens were removed from the 2% KOH, placed in 75% ethanol, and examined microscopically. (v) Material was stored in 75% ethanol for identification and long‐term preservation. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science taphonology forensic entomology puparia adopocere blow fly Calliphoridae |
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