title: Influence of rain and malathion on the oviposition and development of blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) infesting rabbit carcasses in Kelantan, Malaysia.
abstract: The influence of rain and malathion on the initial oviposition as well as development of blowfly species infesting rabbit carcasses decomposing in sunlit and shaded habitats were studied over a period of 1 year in Kelantan, Malaysia. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was the most dominant species that infested the carcasses, followed by Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart). In general, rain, depending on its intensity, delayed initial oviposition by 1-2 days and prolonged the pupation period by 1-3 days. The presence of malathion in the carcasses delayed initial oviposition by 1-3 days and prolonged the pupation period by 2-3 days. These findings deserve consideration while estimating postmortem interval since rain is a commonplace occurrence in Malaysia and malathion is one of the common poisons as an agent for choice to commit suicide.
authors: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), School of Health Sciences, Forensic Science Programme, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors: N A
authors: NA
authors: Mahat
authors: Z
authors: Z
authors: Zafarina
authors: P T
authors: PT
authors: Jayaprakash
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera / Q000187:drug effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D008294:Malathion / Q000506:poisoning*; D008296:Malaysia; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011817:Rabbits; D011891:Rain; D013472:Sunlight; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D008294:Malathion