Post-feeding larval dispersion of Lucilia sericata (Diptera, Calliphoridae) in laboratory

Post-feeding larval dispersion of Lucilia sericata (Diptera, Calliphoridae) in laboratory. Calliphorid flies are the first organisms of the faunal succession associated with decomposing bodies, and can help in the estimation of post-mortem interval. Therefore, studies on post-feeding larval dispersion are relevant to medico-criminal investigations. A circular arena simulating the natural environment was built in the laboratory in order to examine the radial post-feeding larval dispersion of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) and the relationship between weight, distance, and depth of burial. Our findings indicated that most pupae were recovered at a depth between 6 cm and 8 cm and at a distance of 33 cm and 45 cm from the center of the arena. No significant differences were found regarding the propagation and depth of males, females, and non-viable individuals. The mean weight of females (x = 32.35 mg) was higher than that of males (x = 30.28 mg). The correlation and regression analysis between weight and distance, and between weight and depth was directly proportional suggesting that heavier pupae dispersed farther and deeper. Our study also showed that a circular arena allows the dispersion of larvae into all directions.