Post-mortem-interval
Guides
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.
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.
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.