Forensic-entomology
Guides
Piesma costata
Piesma costata is a true bug in the family Piesmatidae, first described by Uhler in 1895. The species is documented from the western United States, specifically California, Colorado, and Arizona. Records indicate its presence in the Western Nearctic region. As a member of Piesmatidae, it belongs to a small family of seed bugs with specialized morphological adaptations.
Piesmatidae
ash-grey leaf bugs, ash-gray leaf bugs
Piesmatidae is a small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the superfamily Lygaeoidea, commonly known as ash-grey leaf bugs. The family contains three extant subfamilies and eleven genera, with over 40 described species. Members are small phytophagous insects, typically 2–4 mm in length, characterized by a distinctive reticulate or dimpled pattern on the head, thorax, and corium of the hemelytra. This dimpled texture represents convergent evolution with the lace bugs (Tingidae) of the infraorder Cimicomorpha. The family has a predominantly temperate Northern Hemisphere distribution, with additional occurrences in Africa, Australia, and South America.
Piophila
cheese flies, wine flies
Piophila is a genus of small dipteran flies in the family Piophilidae, comprising two species: Piophila casei (the cheese fly or ham skipper) and Piophila megastigmata. Both species are carrion feeders with forensic importance, and P. casei is a significant pest of cured meat and cheese products. The genus occurs in the Palearctic and has been introduced to other regions.
Piophila casei
cheese skipper, ham skipper, cheese fly
Piophila casei is a detritivorous fly in the family Piophilidae, commonly known as the cheese skipper or ham skipper. It is a significant pest of cured meat production, particularly Parma ham in Italy, where its larvae infest high-protein substrates and cause substantial economic damage. The species has forensic importance as an indicator for post-mortem interval estimation on human remains. Its mature larvae exhibit a distinctive "skipping" escape behavior, propelling themselves by curling into a U-shape and releasing suddenly. The fly is also a public health concern due to its ability to cause enteric myiasis when larvae are accidentally ingested.
Piophilidae
cheese skipper flies, skipper flies, cheese flies, ham skippers, bacon flies
Piophilidae are a family of small Diptera commonly known as cheese skipper or skipper flies. Most species are scavengers specialized on animal products, carrion, and fungi. The family is notable for larvae that possess an unusual leaping ability, achieved by grasping their posterior with mouth hooks and releasing to catapult themselves. Several species have forensic and medical significance, including Piophila casei, a cosmopolitan pest of cured meats and cheeses whose larvae can cause enteric myiasis in humans.
Platydracus fossator
Red-spotted Rove Beetle
Platydracus fossator is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Red-spotted Rove Beetle. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of North America's most conspicuous rove beetles. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through much of the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter and decomposing substrates.
Platydracus maculosus
Brown Rove Beetle
Platydracus maculosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Brown Rove Beetle. It is among the largest members of its family in North America, measuring 22-35 millimeters in length. The species is a predatory insect attracted to decomposing organic matter and fungi, where it hunts other insects. It has been documented across eastern North America and is recognized as a significant presence in forensic entomology contexts due to its attraction to carrion.
Platystomatidae
Signal Flies
Platystomatidae, commonly known as signal flies, is a family of acalyptrate Diptera in the superfamily Tephritoidea. The family comprises approximately 1200 species in 127 genera, with highest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Australasian and Afrotropical realms. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and often metallic coloration. Many species exhibit elaborate sexual dimorphisms, including extreme head modifications in males used in agonistic interactions. The family is notable for convergent evolution of eyestalks with Diopsidae, though developed through different morphological pathways.
Poecilotettix pantherinus
Panther-spotted Grasshopper
Poecilotettix pantherinus, the panther-spotted grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Xanthippus corallipes but has been elevated to full species status. It is notable for its distinctive spotted hind femora and has been used in forensic entomology cases to establish geographic origin.
Polistes aurifer
Golden Paper Wasp
Polistes aurifer is a social paper wasp native to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The species exhibits pronounced geographic color variation, from predominantly black northern forms to yellow southwestern forms and ferruginous southern populations. It constructs exposed paper nests in sheltered locations and is a generalist predator of caterpillars and other insects. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, having been treated as a subspecies of P. fuscatus in some classifications, though recent treatments maintain it as distinct.
Pollenia vagabunda
cluster fly
Pollenia vagabunda is a cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, widespread across Europe and introduced to North America, where it was first recorded in 1958. Unlike carrion-associated blow flies, this species has a life cycle tied to earthworms and other hosts rather than decomposition. Adults are known to overwinter in buildings and have been documented on carrion, though not tied to specific decomposition stages. The species has also been recorded in Algeria and shows potential forensic relevance.
Protophormia
Northern blow flies
Protophormia is a genus of blow flies (Calliphoridae) containing two recognized species: P. atriceps and P. terraenovae. These flies are distributed across Eurasia and Northern America. The genus has been extensively studied in laboratory settings for circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, and reproductive physiology, particularly in P. terraenovae.
Protophormia terraenovae
northern blowfly, blue-bottle fly, blue-assed fly, blackbottle
Protophormia terraenovae is a large, metallic blue-green blowfly with a Holarctic distribution. It is the most cold-tolerant calliphorid species, occurring from the Arctic to temperate regions. The species is economically significant as a cause of myiasis in livestock and valuable in maggot debridement therapy due to its selective consumption of necrotic tissue and antibiotic secretions. Its temperature-dependent development makes it a key forensic indicator for post-mortem interval estimation.
Protopiophila latipes
cheese skipper
Protopiophila latipes is a species of cheese skipper in the family Piophilidae. It has been observed reproducing on carrion in advanced stages of decomposition. Males of this species do not exhibit mate-guarding behavior, distinguishing it from the related P. litigata where males actively guard females.
Puliciphora
Puliciphora is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) containing at least 110 described species. The genus occurs primarily in the Australasian and Oriental Regions, with records from Southeast Asia including Malaysia. Puliciphora species have been documented in association with decomposing animal remains, indicating potential forensic relevance. A larval parasitoid Hymenoptera has been reported from within an adult fly abdomen, representing a rare host-parasitoid interaction.
Ravinia
Ravinia is a genus of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1863. Species within this genus exhibit diverse life history strategies: some are predators of other dipteran larvae in cattle dung, while others have forensic importance. Larvae of at least one species, Ravinia lherminieri, demonstrate strong host resistance to nematode parasitism through haemocytic encapsulation. The genus has been recorded in North America, Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), and Brazil.
Reinwardtiini
Reinwardtiini is a tribe of flies within the family Muscidae, subfamily Muscinae. The tribe comprises 11 recognized genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Several genera, notably Philornis and Passeromyia, have attracted research attention due to their specialized ecological associations with birds. The type genus Reinwardtia was established by Brauer & von Bergenstamm in 1890.
Saprinini
Saprinini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) characterized by small to medium body size, often with metallic coloration and reduced elytral striae. Members are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and carrion, where they prey on fly larvae and other insects. The tribe is cosmopolitan in distribution and contains numerous genera, including the widespread *Saprinus* and *Euspilotus*.
Saprinus
clown beetles
Saprinus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing more than 200 described species. Members are found on every continent except Antarctica. The genus includes species associated with carrion, dung, and other decaying organic matter, where they function as predators of other small insects. Some species have specialized associations with ants or termites.
Saprinus lubricus
Saprinus lubricus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) in the subfamily Saprininae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed across North America from Canada to Central America, with records extending south to Argentina and Chile. Like other hister beetles, it is likely associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details for this species are limited.
Saprinus profusus
clown beetle
Saprinus profusus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1893. Like other members of the genus Saprinus, it belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species is documented from North America with specific records from Canada and multiple U.S. states.
Saprinus subnitescens
clown beetle
Saprinus subnitescens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been recorded from Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was described by Bickhardt in 1909. As a member of the genus Saprinus, it belongs to a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and dung habitats.
Sarcophaga
Common Flesh Flies
Sarcophaga is a large genus of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 1000 species worldwide. These flies are commonly known as flesh flies due to the necrophagous habits of many species. Adults are medium to large-sized with characteristic gray coloration, three longitudinal dark stripes on the thorax, and checkered abdominal patterning. Species identification requires microscopic examination of male genitalia due to uniform external morphology. The genus exhibits diverse life histories including necrophagy, coprophagy, parasitism, and parasitoidism.
Sarcophaga bullata
grey flesh fly
Sarcophaga bullata, commonly known as the grey flesh fly, is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae. Adults range from 8 to 17 millimeters in length and are distinguished by grey coloration with three black longitudinal thoracic stripes and a checkered abdominal pattern. The species is larviparous, giving birth to first-instar larvae rather than laying eggs. It is widely distributed across the Nearctic region and has become increasingly important in forensic entomology for post-mortem interval estimation.
Sarcophaga melanura
flesh fly
Sarcophaga melanura is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, described by Meigen in 1826. The species belongs to the subgenus Helicophagella within the genus Sarcophaga. Like other members of Sarcophagidae, it exhibits the family's characteristic gray thorax with three longitudinal black stripes and checkered abdominal patterning. Species-level identification in this genus requires examination of male genitalia due to the group's uniform external morphology.
Sarcophaga nearctica
Sarcophaga nearctica is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, a group of necrophagous flies frequently encountered in forensic entomology contexts. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to decomposing organic matter including carrion. The species was described by Parker in 1916. Flesh flies in this family are distinguished by their reproductive strategy of larviparity (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and their characteristic thoracic pattern of black and gray stripes.
Sarcophaga pleskei
flesh fly
Sarcophaga pleskei is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Rohdendorf in 1937. The genus Sarcophaga is characterized by larviparous reproduction (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and association with decomposing organic matter. Species in this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Sarcophagidae
flesh flies, satellite flies
Sarcophagidae is a large family of calyptrate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as flesh flies due to the necrophagous habits of many species. The family comprises approximately 2,842 species worldwide, with peak diversity in the Neotropics. Unlike most flies, sarcophagids are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae rather than eggs onto carrion, dung, decaying organic matter, or open wounds. The family includes three subfamilies with diverse life histories: Sarcophaginae (necrophagous, saprophagous, and parasitoid species), Miltogramminae (kleptoparasitic), and Paramacronychiinae (predatory or parasitoid). Species such as Wohlfahrtia magnifica and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis cause traumatic myiasis in livestock and humans. Due to their early colonization of carcasses, sarcophagids are important forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation.
Sarcophaginae
Typical Flesh Flies
Sarcophaginae is a diverse subfamily of flesh flies comprising at least 60 genera and over 1,800 species worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. These calyptrate flies are characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter, including carrion, feces, and decaying material. Many species exhibit synanthropic behavior, thriving in human-modified environments. Their life histories encompass necrophagy, coprophagy, and scavenging, with some species documented in association with eusocial wasp nests. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia due to uniform external chaetotaxy.
Scarabaeinae
true dung beetles, dung beetles
Scarabaeinae is a subfamily of scarab beetles comprising the true dung beetles. Adults typically feed on dung, though some species consume carrion, decaying fruit, or fungi. The subfamily is divided into three functional guilds—rollers (telecoprids), tunnelers (paracoprids), and dwellers (endocoprids)—based on dung processing behavior. Members exhibit modified mouthparts with an expanded clypeus covering the mandibles, and possess a space between the middle legs for dung manipulation. The subfamily originated in the Lower Cretaceous (115–130 million years ago) and is hypothesized to have co-evolved with dinosaurs.
Sciodrepoides
Sciodrepoides is a genus of small carrion beetles in the family Leiodidae, subfamily Cholevinae, containing approximately five described species. The genus includes notable necrophagous species such as Sciodrepoides watsoni, which has been extensively studied for forensic entomology applications. Members are small-bodied, brown beetles with Holarctic distribution patterns.
Sciodrepoides watsoni
Sciodrepoides watsoni is a small (~3 mm) brown necrophagous beetle in the family Leiodidae with Holarctic distribution. It is notable for its utility in forensic entomology, where thermal summation models for its development have been established to estimate post-mortem intervals. The species completes development through egg, three larval instars, and pupa to adult, with head capsule width serving as the most reliable character for instar determination. It has been successfully reared in laboratory conditions at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Sepsidae
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsidae is a family of small, slender flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. The family contains over 300 described species worldwide. Adults are typically found on mammal excrement, decaying animal and plant material, and carrion, where they feed and oviposit. Many species exhibit a distinctive wing-waving behavior while walking. The family plays a significant ecological role as decomposers and has forensic and hygienic relevance due to their association with feces and decaying matter.
Silphidae
carrion beetles, burying beetles, large carrion beetles, sexton beetles
Silphidae is a family of beetles commonly known as carrion beetles or burying beetles, comprising approximately 183 species in two tribes: Silphini and Nicrophorini. Members feed primarily on decaying organic matter, particularly animal carcasses, with some species exhibiting specialized behaviors such as burying small carcasses and providing parental care. The family has forensic importance due to predictable colonization patterns on human remains. Silphidae are most diverse in temperate regions, with flight capability varying among species and correlated with food source type.
Silphini
carrion beetles
Silphini is a tribe of large carrion beetles within the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, subfamily Silphinae. Members are worldwide distributed and characterized by their association with decomposing animal matter. The tribe comprises approximately 114 described species across 12 extant genera, including well-known genera such as Silpha, Thanatophilus, and Necrophila. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed complex relationships within the tribe, with evidence that some historically recognized genera may render Silpha paraphyletic.
Sphaeroceridae
lesser dung flies, small dung flies, lesser corpse flies
Sphaeroceridae is a family of true flies (Diptera) in the section Schizophora, subsection Acalyptratae. The family contains over 1,300 species in approximately 125 genera, making it a diverse group of small to minute flies. Members are characterized by saprophagous habits, typically associated with decomposing organic matter including dung, carrion, and decaying plant material. They occur worldwide except in regions with permanent ice cover.
Spiniphora
Spiniphora is a genus of scuttle flies (Phoridae) established by Malloch in 1909. The genus includes saprophagous species, with Spiniphora genitalis documented as a decomposer of mollusc carrion and vertebrate remains. Species in this genus complete development on decaying organic matter and have been recorded from the Oriental region, parts of the Australian region, and introduced populations in Hawaii. Larvae exhibit distinct morphological features including ventral flattening, segmented bodies with tubercles and spinulose formations, and respiratory transitions between instars.
Spodoptera latifascia
velvet armyworm, lateral-lined armyworm, garden armyworm
Spodoptera latifascia is a noctuid moth native to Central America and the Antilles, extending into North America from Texas to Florida. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 42 mm and are active from March to October depending on location. The species was originally described by Walker in 1856 as Prodenia latifascia. Spodoptera cosmioides, a South American species formerly considered synonymous with S. latifascia, has been reinstated as a valid species.
Staphylinidae
Rove beetles
Staphylinidae, the rove beetles, is the largest extant family of beetles with approximately 63,000 described species across thousands of genera. Members are distinguished by abbreviated elytra that expose most of the abdomen, giving them a characteristic elongated, flexible appearance. The family is ancient, with fossil records dating to the Triassic period approximately 200 million years ago. Ecological roles within the family are diverse, encompassing predation, fungivory, myrmecophily, and saprophagy.
Stearibia
Stearibia is a genus of small flies in the family Piophilidae (Diptera). Species in this genus are forensically important, having been documented on human corpses during advanced stages of decomposition. The genus was established by Lioy in 1864 and includes Stearibia nigriceps, which has been confirmed from medicolegal investigations using DNA barcoding.
Stearibia nigriceps
Stearibia nigriceps is a small dipteran in the family Piophilidae, first confirmed in South Korea from specimens collected from human corpses. The species was previously known from Europe and North America. It is considered forensically important and associated with cadavers at advanced decomposition stages.
Synthesiomyia
Synthesiomyia is a small genus of muscid flies in the family Muscidae. The genus contains at least one well-documented species, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, which has gained forensic importance as a carrion-associated fly in tropical, subtropical, and recently colonized Palearctic regions. Species in this genus exhibit facultative predatory behavior and are used in postmortem interval estimation.
Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a large muscid fly (7–10 mm) and the sole species in its genus. It is necrophagous and facultatively predatory, with larvae known to consume other necrophagous fly larvae including Chrysomya rufifacies and C. albiceps. The species is forensically significant due to its predictable life cycle and tendency to pupate in confined locations near carcasses, such as within clothing. Originally tropical and subtropical in distribution, it has established in southwestern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and occurs in the southern United States.
Syritta
Syritta is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) with approximately 18 recognized species. The genus likely originated in the Afrotropical region, where the majority of species diversity occurs. Only six species are known from the Palearctic region, with two species—S. flaviventris and S. pipiens—occurring in North America, probably introduced by humans. S. pipiens is the most widespread and commonly encountered species, distributed across Eurasia and North America.
Syritta pipiens
Thick-legged Hoverfly, Thick-legged Hover Fly
Syritta pipiens is a common and widespread hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, native to Europe and now distributed across Eurasia and North America. It is distinguished by its enlarged hind femora, which give rise to its common name 'thick-legged hoverfly.' Adults are fast, agile fliers rarely exceeding one meter above ground and are important pollinators of diverse flowering plants. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter including compost, manure, and silage. The species is frequently found in human-modified environments such as gardens, farmland, and urban parks.
Tachinaephagus
A genus of gregarious larval–pupal parasitoids in the family Encyrtidae. Species in this genus, particularly T. zealandicus, are known to attack synanthropic Diptera including muscoid flies and calliphorid carrion flies. They have been studied for biological control applications and forensic entomology due to their predictable development on decomposing remains.
Tachinaephagus zealandicus
Tachinaephagus zealandicus is a gregarious larval-pupal endoparasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae. It parasitizes larvae of synanthropic Diptera, particularly muscoid flies including Musca domestica and various Calliphoridae species associated with decomposing carrion. The species has been studied extensively for its potential in forensic entomology and biological control. Under laboratory conditions at 25°C, its life cycle completes in 23–27 days, with single hosts producing 3–18 adult parasitoids.
Tetramorium tsushimae
Japanese pavement ant
Tetramorium tsushimae, commonly known as the Japanese pavement ant, is a small myrmicine ant native to Asia that has become invasive in North America. Workers are approximately 2.5 mm in length. The species exhibits both monogyne and polygyne colony structures and is known for its territorial behavior, with colonies competing for high-temperature nesting sites to rear reproductives. It has been extensively used as a laboratory surrogate for the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in toxicity and control studies. The species displays notable cadaveric behaviors on animal remains, creating scratched scars, mounds, and soil-covered nests that have forensic implications.
Thanatophilus
carrion beetles, silky carrion beetles
Thanatophilus is a genus of approximately 12 described species of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae. These beetles are primarily necrophagous, feeding on decaying animal matter. They occupy the Holarctic and Afrotropical realms and are frequently detected on large carrion, including human remains. Several species are forensically important for estimating time of colonization and post-mortem intervals.
Thanatophilus coloradensis
Thanatophilus coloradensis is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It is found in western North America, with records from Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with decomposing animal remains. The species was described by Wickham in 1902.