Date of Award
Summer 8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Jennifer Rosati
Second Reader
Marta Concheiro-Guisan
Third Advisor
Rabi Musah
Abstract
Forensic entomology is a vital discipline that can aid in the proceedings of criminal cases. Larval age and development are important aspects to consider when utilizing blow flies (Family: Calliphoridae) for estimates pertaining to the initial time of colonization (TOC), which contributes to postmortem interval (PMI) estimations. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that influence larval size and development, since larval size is commonly used as a proxy for age. Larvae of three species of flies, Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy), and Phormia regina (Meigen), were reared on five different food resources. Specimens of L. sericata and P. regina were also subjected to two preservation methods and stored for two different durations. Larvae were evaluated as to differences in length resulting from food resource, as well as short-term & long-term preservation under either a boil-to-ethanol method or a direct-to-ethanol method of preservation. Results showed that food resource affects larval length/fitness and that species-specific development differences due to resource type are supported. Results also showed that preservation methods and the duration larvae are stored after preservation affects specimen lengths. This can lead to both over- and under-estimation of larval lengths under both preservation methods and over time. A high degree of variability within factors is problematic for the use of larval length in developing time-of-colonization and postmortem interval estimations and their general use in legal proceedings. Ultimately, this highlights the need for standardization and improved protocols for collection, transport, and storage of insect specimens from crime scenes.
Recommended Citation
Zukowski, John, "Effect of food resource, preservation method, and preservation duration on larval size of forensically important fly species (Order: Diptera)" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/407
