title: Correlation of molecular expression with diel rhythm of oviposition in Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and implications for forensic entomology.
abstract: This study explored the molecular mechanisms potentially underlying blow fly nocturnal oviposition. A behavioral study revealed that Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) possesses a diel rhythm of oviposition in light under 12:12 light/dark conditions. Reversal to 12:12 dark/light resulted in oviposition behavior changing to align with the adjusted regime in most females, but four of 59 experimental females lacked a diel rhythm of oviposition (were arrhythmic). Real-time PCR was used to monitor the molecular expression levels of known circadian genes per and tim in C. vicina to determine whether gene expression and behavior correlated. As with behavior, reversing light/dark conditions changed rhythmic gene expression to align with an adjusted light regime. This suggests that although it is unlikely that C. vicina will colonize dead bodies at night, arrhythmic females and oviposition in the dark was demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, Vic., 3220, Australia.
authors.forename: Kelly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Melanie S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.forename: Tes
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Toop
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D004175:Diptera / Q000502:physiology*; D004772:Entomology; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D015870:Gene Expression; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012339:RNA, Ribosomal, 28S / Q000378:metabolism; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012339:RNA, Ribosomal, 28S
keywords: Calliphora vicina; circadian gene expression; diel oviposition rhythm; forensic entomology; forensic science; nocturnal colonization