title: Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis.
abstract: We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft-bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30-90 sec in 10- to 15-sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and vortexed in 10- to 15-sec bursts until all puparia appeared clean (with our samples this required a total of 60-120 sec). (iv) Specimens were removed from the 2% KOH, placed in 75% ethanol, and examined microscopically. (v) Material was stored in 75% ethanol for identification and long-term preservation.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hardin Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0987. lhigley1@unl.edu.
authors.forename: Leon G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Higley
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL, 61201.
authors.forename: Tierney R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Brosius
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hardin Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0987.
authors.forename: Karl J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Reinhard
authors.affiliation: Forensic Science Program, Chaminade University, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96816.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera; D004772:Entomology; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D007814:Larva; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011679:Pupa; D013048:Specimen Handling
keywords: Calliphoridae; adopocere; blow fly; forensic entomology; forensic science; puparia; taphonology