Multiple species of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) as contaminants in forensic entomology laboratory insect colony
- Author:
Zuha, R.M., Jenarthanan, L.X.Q., Disney, R.H.L., Omar, B.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2015;32(3):568-572
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In forensic entomology, larval rearing usually includes the presence of biological
contaminants including scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae). Scuttle flies are recognized as
forensically important insects and have been reported causing nuisance and contamination
in laboratory environments. This paper reports for the first time the finding of multiple scuttle
fly species affecting colonies of third instar larvae of the Oriental latrine blowfly, Chrysomya
megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), reared indoors at the Forensic Science
Simulation Site, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Adult scuttle flies were discovered inside a
rearing container after the emergence of adult C. megacephala., The scuttle fly species are
Megaselia scalaris (Loew), M. spiracularis Schmitz and Puliciphora borinquenensis
(Wheeler). Notes on the life history and biology of these species are discussed herein.
- Full text:W020151207600469534549.pdf
