Black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) colonization of pig carrion in south Georgia.
The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), is thought to colonize corpses 20-30 days postmortem. However, recent observations indicate this might not be true for all cases. Therefore, we conducted a study examining colonization by the black soldier fly and other Diptera on pig carrion in a plowed field in southern Georgia from 20 September through 21 February. Our data indicate black soldier flies could colonize a corpse within the first week after death. Knowing this information could prevent a serious mistake in estimating the time at which a corpse is colonized by this species. This study also represents the first record of Chrysomya rufifacies in Georgia.
Tomberlin
Jeffery K
JK
Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia 31793, USA.
Sheppard
D Craig
DC
Joyce
John A
JA
D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D023421:Models, Animal; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors