Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 4(1):27-34
Nocturnal Larviposition Behaviour of Necrophilous, Carrion-Associating Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Ungwan-Rimi Area Kaduna, Nigeria
Wasagu, A.H., Ado-Baba, A. and Magami, I. M.
ABSTRACT
Insects are known to have been used in the detection of crime for a long time. In order to interpret a crime scene, it is important to know which species of insects are infesting the body and something about their habits and environmental requirements. This study was conducted to investigate specie composition, abundance and nocturnal oviposition/larviposition behaviour by carrion associating flies, 200 grams of fresh beef liver was used as oviposition/laviposition medium and was exposed immediately after sunset at different time intervals (1-hour interval from sunset) in both dry and wet seasons. Exposed baits were taken to forensic laboratory for observation. A total of 1221 insects were collected comprising of 842 (69%) and 379 (31%) in dry and wet seasons respectively. The insects were found to belong into families; Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae. Muscidae had the highest abundance 546 (64.85%), followed by Calliphoridae 27 (33.14%), Sarcophagidae had the least abundance with 17 (2.01%) in dry season. During the wet season Calliphoridae had the highest abundance with 279 (57.26%), and Muscidae had the least with 162 (42.74%). Sarcophagidae were however not abundant. All six species were abundant in both dry and wet seasons, with the Musca domestica being the most dominant. Norcturnal larviposition was observed during dry season only. This occurred at 6.40 to 7.40pm and 8.40 to 9.40pm within a temperature range of 29oC - 35oC. Out of the 23 species of flies that emerged 8 were identified Sarcophaga inzi while 15 species as Sarcophaga sp, 15(65.22%) were Sarcophaga inzi and 8(34.78%) were Sarcophaga spp. This study shows that genus Sarcophaga has a tendency of nocturnal larviposition, and could be useful material in forensic investigations.
