Forensic-entomology
Guides
Aglossa cuprina
grease moth
Aglossa cuprina, commonly known as the grease moth, is a pyralid moth described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1872. It is a widespread stored product pest whose larvae feed on dried grain products, while adults consume grease, suet, and butter. The species has gained attention in forensic entomology due to observations of adults feeding on human remains. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, potentially spanning one to two years.
Aleochara lustrica
Aleochara lustrica is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) with a dual life history: adults are predatory on fly larvae, while larvae are ectoparasitoids of cyclorrhaphan fly pupae. The species has been documented across the Americas from Canada to southern Brazil, with recent records extending its known range. It has confirmed associations with sarcophagid flies under laboratory conditions and plays a role in regulating populations of necrophagous Diptera of medical, veterinary, and forensic importance.
Allopiophila testacea
Allopiophila testacea is a species of cheese skipper fly in the family Piophilidae, described by Melander in 1924. The genus Allopiophila is small and contains few described species. Members of Piophilidae are known for their association with protein-rich decomposing organic matter, particularly animal remains and cheese. The specific epithet 'testacea' refers to the shell-like or testaceous coloration typical of the species.
Anthomyiidae
root-maggot flies, kelp flies, anthomyiid flies
Anthomyiidae is a large family of Muscoidea flies commonly known as root-maggot flies or kelp flies. Most species are small to moderate in size with drab grey to black coloration, though some genera such as Pegomya are yellow and others display black-and-white or black-and-silvery-grey patterns. The family exhibits diverse larval habits: many feed in stems and roots of plants, some are scavengers in birds' nests, others are leaf miners, and a few are kleptoparasites or inquilines. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genus Delia.
Anthrenini
Anthrenini is a tribe of carpet beetles within the family Dermestidae, subfamily Megatominae. The tribe contains at least 100 described species, primarily in the genus Anthrenus, with one additional monotypic genus Dermeanthrenus. Members are small beetles known for feeding on keratinous materials including wool, fur, feathers, and dried animal products. Several species are significant household and museum pests worldwide.
Arhopalus
burnt pine longhorn beetle (A. ferus), black pine sawyer (A. rusticus)
Arhopalus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae: Asemini) distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with several species introduced to the Southern Hemisphere as invasive pests of conifers. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with A. rusticus and A. ferus being the most extensively studied due to their economic importance. Species develop in dead or fire-damaged conifer wood, with some exhibiting strong attraction to burnt pine volatiles. Several species produce male-emitted aggregation-sex pheromones containing fuscumol and geranylacetone. Invasive populations in New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa require monitoring at ports and sawmills for timber export compliance.
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te-statemethodological-state-stateepistemological-state-stateontological-state-stateaxiological-state-statepraxeological-state-statelogical-state-staterational-state-statereasonable-state-statesensible-state-statepragmatic-state-statepractical-state-statetheoretical-state-stateconceptual-state-stateempirical-state-stateexperimental-state-stateobservational-state-stateexperiential-state-statephenomenological-state-statehermeneutical-state-statecritical-state-statereflexive-state-statereflective-state-staterepresentative-state-stateBrachymeria
chalcid wasps
Brachymeria is a large genus of chalcidid wasps containing over 300 species worldwide. These small parasitoids are primarily solitary endoparasitoids of insect pupae, with most species attacking Lepidoptera. They are characterized by enlarged hind femora typical of the family Chalcididae. Some species function as hyperparasitoids, attacking parasitic Hymenoptera and Diptera. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against pest insects.
Brachymeria podagrica
Brachymeria podagrica is a cosmopolitan parasitoid wasp in the family Chalcididae, known from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and multiple other regions worldwide. The species is a solitary idiobiont parasitoid of dipteran pupae, particularly flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and blow flies (Calliphoridae). It has been documented attacking Sarcodexia lambens, Peckia collusor, Hemilucilia flavifacies, Chrysomya albiceps, and Sarcophaga dux, among other hosts. Development from egg to adult emergence takes approximately 20–27 days under favorable conditions, with overwintering generations requiring 155–180 days. Adults are commonly observed near aphid colonies feeding on honeydew, and occasionally visit flowers such as wild carrot. The species has forensic significance due to its predictable emergence from fly pupae on decomposing corpses.
Calliphora
bluebottle flies, blow flies, bottle flies
Calliphora is the type genus of the blow fly family Calliphoridae, established in 1830. Adults are recognized by their metallic blue abdomens and dull grey to black thoraxes. The genus is globally distributed with highest diversity in Australia. Several species, particularly C. vicina, C. vomitoria, and C. livida, are among the most important insects in forensic entomology due to their predictable colonization of carrion.
Calliphora alaskensis
Calliphora alaskensis is a species of blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, first described by Shannon in 1923 with the basionym Steringomyia alaskensis. A subspecies, C. alaskensis echinosa, was described by Grunin in 1970 but is now considered a synonym. As a member of the genus Calliphora, it belongs to a group of flies commonly known as blue bottle flies that are significant in forensic entomology due to their role in decomposition.
Calliphora coloradensis
Calliphora coloradensis is a species of blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, first described by Hough in 1899. The genus Calliphora includes species commonly known as blue bottle flies, though the specific common name for this species is not documented. As a member of the blow fly family, it likely shares the general ecological traits of active decomposition and forensic importance characteristic of the group, though species-specific details remain sparse.
Calliphora latifrons
blue bottle fly
Calliphora latifrons is a species of blow fly (family Calliphoridae) commonly known as a blue bottle fly. The species has limited geographic distribution in North America and is associated with undisturbed habitats. It is considered one of the most forensically important blow fly species due to its predictable life cycle and colonization patterns on carrion, which can be used to estimate postmortem intervals. Adults are known to enter houses and breed in small carcasses.
Calliphora livida
slow-flying and loud-buzzing blue bottle fly
Calliphora livida is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as blue bottle flies. It is a medium-sized fly with a blue metallic sheen dulled by dense micromentum. The species is widespread across North America and is notable for its relatively delayed arrival on carrion compared to other blow flies, typically appearing approximately 24 hours after death. It prefers cooler, shaded environments with temperatures ranging from 4 to 15.6°C. The species holds significant forensic importance for post-mortem interval estimation, particularly during spring and colder months when other blow fly species may be less active.
Calliphora terraenovae
New World blue bottle fly
Calliphora terraenovae is a species of blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as the New World blue bottle fly. It is native to North America and serves as an important decomposer in forensic entomology investigations. The species is closely related to other blue bottle flies in the genus Calliphora, including the widespread Palearctic species C. vicina, with which it shares ecological and morphological similarities.
Calliphora vicina
Blue Blowfly, Blue Bottle Fly
Calliphora vicina is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as the blue bottle fly due to its metallic blue-gray coloration. It is one of the most important species in forensic entomology because of its predictable colonization patterns on carrion. The species is particularly significant for estimating post-mortem intervals, especially during cooler months when it remains active at temperatures below those tolerated by other blow flies.
Calliphora vomitoria
blue bottle fly, orange-bearded blue bottle, bottlebee
Calliphora vomitoria is a blow fly and the type species of the genus Calliphora. Adults are among the first colonizers of carrion, making them significant forensic indicators for estimating time of death. The species exhibits a distinctive metallic blue abdomen and orange setae on the gena. It has been extensively studied for its landing mechanics, with research on its inverted ceiling landings informing robotic drone design.
Calliphoridae
blow flies, blow-flies, carrion flies, bluebottles, greenbottles, cluster flies
Calliphoridae is a large family of Diptera containing approximately 1,900 described species with worldwide distribution. Adults are typically recognized by their metallic blue, green, or black coloration. The family exhibits diverse life histories including saprophagy, facultative parasitism, and obligatory myiasis. Larvae of most species develop in carrion and dung, making them ecologically important decomposers and forensically significant indicators of post-mortem intervals. Several species have substantial economic and medical importance: Lucilia cuprina causes flystrike in Australian sheep, Cochliomyia hominivorax was a major screwworm pest before eradication in North America, and Lucilia sericata is used in maggot debridement therapy for wound treatment.
Chloroprocta
Chloroprocta is a genus of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, subfamily Chrysomyinae. The genus was described by Wulp in 1896. Species in this genus are associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter. The genus contains relatively few described species and is primarily distributed in the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Cholevinae
small carrion beetles, round fungus beetles
Cholevinae is a subfamily of small carrion beetles within the family Leiodidae (Coleoptera), containing more than 260 genera and over 1,100 described species. The subfamily includes diverse ecological groups: necrophagous species that feed on carrion and dung, mycophagous species associated with fungi, and numerous troglobitic and troglophilic lineages adapted to subterranean habitats. The tribe Leptodirini within Cholevinae represents one of the most diverse radiations of subterranean animals globally, with approximately 1,340 species and subspecies distributed from the Iberian Peninsula to Iran.
Chrysomya
Old World blow fly
Chrysomya is a genus of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, native to the Old World. The genus is distinguished by metallic blue-green coloration, thick setae on the meron, and plumose arista. Several species have become forensically significant due to their predictable developmental rates and association with carrion, with some species recently expanding into North America.
Chrysomya megacephala
oriental latrine fly, oriental blue fly
Chrysomya megacephala is a warm-weather blowfly with metallic blue-green coloration, notable for its forensic importance in estimating post-mortem intervals due to its rapid colonization of corpses. The species exhibits two distinct forms: a normal forest-dwelling form restricted to South Pacific Islands, and a synanthropic derived form that has spread globally from Papua New Guinea and is closely associated with human environments. It serves as a significant public health concern through its role in causing accidental myiasis and mechanically transmitting pathogens to human food.
Chrysomya rufifacies
hairy maggot blow fly, hairy maggot blowfly
Chrysomya rufifacies is a blow fly native to Australasia and Southeast Asia that has become established across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Europe through human-mediated dispersal. It is one of the most forensically significant insects due to its highly predictable developmental timing and tendency to colonize human remains within minutes of death. The species exhibits facultative predation on other carrion-feeding larvae, which can alter postmortem succession patterns and confound time-of-death estimates. Adults are medium-sized with metallic blue-green coloration; larvae are distinguished by prominent fleshy tubercles that give the species its common name.
Chrysomyinae
blow flies
Chrysomyinae is a subfamily of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) distinguished by a setose stem vein. The subfamily includes approximately 11 genera, with some groups endemic to the Neotropical region and others exhibiting broader distributions. Members are primarily necrophagous and hold significant forensic importance as indicators for estimating time of colonization and post-mortem intervals. The Neotropical lineage likely originated during the Middle Miocene, with subsequent dispersal to Nearctic and Paleotropical regions.
Cleridae
checkered beetles
Cleridae, commonly known as checkered beetles, is a family of predatory beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea. The family contains approximately 3,500 species worldwide, with about 500 species in North America. Most species are predatory, feeding primarily on other beetles and their larvae, particularly bark beetles and wood-boring beetles. Some genera exhibit scavenging or pollen-feeding habits. The family has significant economic importance as biological control agents against forest pests.
Cochliomyia
New World screwworm flies, screwworm flies
Cochliomyia is a genus of blowflies (family Calliphoridae) comprising four species: C. macellaria, C. hominivorax, C. aldrichi, and C. minima. The genus is commonly known as New World screwworm flies, distinguished from Old World screwworms. C. hominivorax, the primary screwworm, is an obligate parasite whose larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe myiasis in livestock, wildlife, and humans. C. macellaria, the secondary screwworm, feeds only on necrotic tissue and carrion. The primary screwworm has been eradicated from North America through the sterile insect technique, though it persists in parts of Central and South America.
Cochliomyia macellaria
secondary screwworm, secondary screwworm fly
Cochliomyia macellaria, the secondary screwworm, is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae distributed throughout the Americas from southern Canada to Patagonia. The species is a specialist carrion colonizer whose larvae feed on necrotic tissue, distinguishing it from the primary screwworm (C. hominivorax) which attacks living tissue. Adults exhibit metallic blue-green coloration with orange-red eyes and head. The species holds significant forensic importance for postmortem interval estimation and has medical-veterinary relevance as a cause of secondary myiasis in livestock and humans.
Compsomyiops
Compsomyiops is a genus of blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) established by Townsend in 1918. Members are necrophagous and serve as important forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation. The genus has been documented as a phoretic host for Myianoetus mites (Acari: Histiostomatidae), representing a novel dispersal association for these mites. At least two species are recognized: C. fulvicrura in South America and C. wheeleri in North America.
Conicera
coffin flies
Conicera is a genus of phorid flies in the subfamily Conicerinae, commonly referred to as coffin flies. The genus is notable for species such as Conicera tibialis, which are associated with buried human cadavers and have exceptional abilities to colonize underground environments. Adult females can burrow through soil to access enclosed spaces such as coffins. Some species can complete multiple generations entirely underground without surfacing.
Conicera tibialis
coffin fly
Conicera tibialis, commonly known as the coffin fly, is a phorid fly species known for its unique association with buried human cadavers. Adult females possess the remarkable ability to burrow through soil to access coffins and lay eggs on or near corpses. The species has been documented completing multiple generations entirely underground without surfacing, and has been found on cadavers years after death, with one recorded case of activity 18 years postmortem.
Creophilus
hairy rove beetle
Creophilus is a genus of large rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing some of the largest species in the family, reaching up to 30 mm in length. The genus includes approximately 12 described species distributed globally, with C. maxillosus being the most widely studied due to its forensic significance. Species in this genus are strongly associated with carrion habitats where they function as predators of fly larvae. The genus was revised in 2011, with two new species described and several synonymizations.
Creophilus maxillosus
hairy rove beetle
Creophilus maxillosus, commonly known as the hairy rove beetle, is a large predatory rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. Adults measure 12–18 mm and are characterized by shiny black coloration with distinctive golden setae on the head, pronotum, and posterior abdominal segments. The species is strongly associated with carrion and decomposition environments, where it functions as both a scavenger and active predator of fly larvae. It has forensic significance for estimating post-mortem intervals, though its widespread distribution and transient nature limit its utility as a geographic indicator. The beetle possesses chemical defense glands that secrete irritant compounds when threatened.
Cynomya
dog-fly
Cynomya is a genus of blow flies (family Calliphoridae) commonly known as 'dog-flies' from the Ancient Greek κυνόμυια. Species in this genus are large, conspicuous flies of forensic interest, primarily distributed across the Palaearctic Region with some overlap in Alaska and the Russian Far East. The genus includes species such as C. mortuorum and C. cadaverina, which are associated with carrion and occasionally recorded as agents of myiasis. Unlike many calliphorids, Cynomya species are not strongly synanthropic and are rarely abundant in nature.
Cynomya cadaverina
Shiny Blue Bottle Fly
Cynomya cadaverina, commonly known as the shiny blue bottle fly, is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive metallic blue coloration and are attracted to carrion, particularly in advanced stages of decomposition. The species is considered forensically significant for estimating post-mortem intervals, as its predictable life cycle and cool-weather activity patterns provide temporal clues in death investigations. It is native to the Nearctic region, with highest abundance in southern Canada and the northern United States.
Dermestes
skin beetles, hide beetles, larder beetles
Dermestes is a globally distributed genus of beetles in the family Dermestidae, comprising approximately 92 species. These beetles are specialized scavengers of dead and dried animal material, with larvae feeding on carrion, dried meat and fish, bone, hair, skin, and feathers. The genus has significant economic and forensic importance: larvae are destructive pests of museum specimens and stored products, yet are also deliberately employed to clean flesh from skeletons in taxidermy and forensic contexts. Some species assist in estimating postmortem intervals in criminal investigations.
Dermestes ater
black larder beetle, incinerator beetle
Dermestes ater is a cosmopolitan dermestid beetle native to North America but now found nearly worldwide. Adults measure 7–9 mm with black or brown elytra covered in yellowish hairs; males are distinguished by a row of bristles along the abdomen. The species is a significant pest of stored products, feeding on dried animal and plant materials including cured meats, cheeses, leather, wool, and fish. It also functions as an occasional predator and scavenger, consuming dead insects, carrion, and even silkworm pupae. The beetle has forensic importance due to its presence on human corpses, and veterinary significance as a vector of parasites in poultry facilities.
Dermestes caninus
carpet beetle
Dermestes caninus is a carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, found in North America and Oceania. The species has been studied for forensic importance alongside the more well-known Dermestes maculatus, though it has little biological information available and no published case report records. Research indicates intraspecific larval aggregation behavior and diet type significantly affect its life-history traits.
Dermestes frischii
Fringed Larder Beetle
Dermestes frischii is a hide beetle in the family Dermestidae, 6–9.5 mm long, black to dark brown with yellowish-white hairs on the pronotum sides. It is a significant pest of stored animal products including dried meat, fish, cheese, fur, and leather, and also damages wood, cork, and plaster when seeking pupation sites. The species is widely used in forensic entomology to estimate post-mortem intervals, particularly for corpses in hot, dry conditions where it colonizes remains during advanced decay stages. Males are distinguished from females by a tuft of black-brown hairs on the fourth abdominal sternite.
Dermestes maculatus
hide beetle, skin beetle, flesh-eating beetle
Dermestes maculatus is a cosmopolitan hide beetle with worldwide distribution on all continents except Antarctica. Adults are 5.5–10 mm, black with distinctive white hair bands on the pronotum. The species is a specialized decomposer of dry animal tissues, with physiological adaptations enabling survival on desiccated carrion where competitors fail. It holds significant forensic value for estimating postmortem intervals and is widely used by museums and universities for skeleton preparation. Larvae are densely setose with paired urogomphi on the terminal segment.
Dermestes marmoratus
common carrion beetle
Dermestes marmoratus, commonly known as the common carrion beetle, is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is found in North America, with records from southern California through the southwest, southern Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains states. The species is associated with carrion and bones in advanced stages of decomposition, where it feeds on dried animal remains.
Dermestes peruvianus
Peruvian larder beetle
Dermestes peruvianus is a larder beetle in the family Dermestidae, found in North America, Europe, and South America. It closely resembles Dermestes haemorrhoidalis but can be distinguished by specific morphological traits including pale yellow, short, fine, recumbent pubescence on the elytra that does not extend beyond the lateral margins. It has been collected from carrion in forensic studies and is known from Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
Dermestes undulatus
carpet beetle, hide beetle
Dermestes undulatus is a hide beetle in the family Dermestidae. It has forensic importance due to its colonization of dried remains. Development is temperature-dependent, with faster development at higher temperatures. The species occurs in both North America and Europe, and is considered scarce in the United Kingdom where it was recently rediscovered in Wales.
Dermestidae
skin beetles, carpet beetles, larder beetles, hide beetles, leather beetles, khapra beetles
Dermestidae is a family of beetles comprising approximately 1,700 to 1,800 described species worldwide. Adults are small (1–12 mm), typically oval to rounded, with antennae that are clubbed and usually concealed in thoracic grooves. The family exhibits exceptional diversity in feeding ecology: larvae of most species are scavengers specialized on dry organic matter, particularly keratin-rich materials including animal hair, feathers, hides, wool, and silk. Certain genera have evolved highly specific associations, such as Thaumaglossa in mantid egg cases. The family includes significant economic pests (carpet beetles, khapra beetle), forensic indicators (hide beetles), and beneficial species used in taxidermy and museum specimen preparation. Larvae of subfamily Megatominae possess distinctive defensive hastisetae—barbed, spear-tipped setae that detach to entangle predators.
Dirhinus
Dirhinus is a genus of chalcidid wasps comprising approximately 70 described species with worldwide distribution. These wasps are pupal parasitoids of Diptera, particularly flies associated with decomposing vertebrate matter, including synanthropic species such as house flies, blow flies, and flesh flies, as well as agricultural pests like fruit flies. Females locate host pupae in soil or substrate by digging with their horns and oviposit directly on the pupa within its puparium. Several species, notably Dirhinus giffardii, have been investigated for biological control applications against filth flies and fruit fly pests.
Epiplatea
Epiplatea is a genus of Neotropical flies in the family Richardiidae (subfamily Epiplateinae). The genus has been documented in association with decomposing animal carcasses, including domestic pig carcasses in Amazonas State, Brazil. Records suggest potential use in forensic entomology contexts. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Neotropical region.
Euspilotus
clown beetles
Euspilotus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing more than 80 described species. Members of this genus are predatory beetles, with some species documented as predators of forensic importance at decomposition sites. The genus was established by Lewis in 1907 and is classified within the subfamily Saprininae.
Fannia
Fannia is a large genus of flies in the family Fanniidae, comprising approximately 288 species. Originally described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830, many species were formerly classified under Musca. The genus is notable for its forensic entomology applications, with several species serving as indicator species for decomposition studies. Species are distributed across the Neotropical and other regions, with recent records extending known ranges in South America.
Fannia pusio
Chicken Dung Fly
Fannia pusio is a small calyptrate fly in the family Fanniidae, commonly known as the chicken dung fly. Native to Central and North America, it has achieved near-global distribution through human-mediated dispersal associated with livestock. The species is notable for its synanthropic association with poultry facilities, where it can reach nuisance-level populations. It has forensic significance as a colonizer of decomposing remains, including buried corpses inaccessible to larger flies, and serves as a developmental indicator for post-mortem interval estimation. Females also function as phoretic hosts for Dermatobia hominis eggs, linking the species to veterinary and medical myiasis cases.
Fanniidae
lesser house flies, little house flies
Fanniidae is a small family of true flies comprising approximately 285 species in five genera. Adults are medium-sized to small with predominantly dark body and leg coloration. Males form characteristic dancing swarms beneath trees, while females are more retiring. Larvae possess flattened bodies with prominent lateral protuberances and develop as scavengers in decaying organic matter. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic and temperate Neotropical realms, with limited representation in other biogeographic regions.
Fucellia thinobia
Cormorant Fly, Kelp Fly
Fucellia thinobia is a small fly in the family Anthomyiidae known primarily from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Despite being commonly called a "kelp fly," it has no association with kelp; rather, it develops in purge-soaked soil beneath dead cormorants in island rookeries. The species was the focus of intensive research by UC Davis forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey beginning in 2007, who demonstrated its strict dependence on cormorant carcass sites. Its localized distribution and specialized breeding habitat make it a notable example of island endemism among dipterans.
Helicobia
flesh flies
Helicobia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) comprising at least 30 described species. Members are necrophagous and associated with decomposing animal matter. The genus has been studied for its forensic importance, particularly in estimating postmortem intervals. Research on Helicobia aurescens has provided detailed life cycle data and ultrastructural descriptions of immature stages.