The oriental latrine fly Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a new forensic indicator in SW Europe

• DOI: 10.1007/s00414-025-03489-z
• Publication Date: 2025-04-12T02:57:02Z
• Authors: Anabel Martínez-S...; Tania Ivorra; Leticia C. Roberts; Salvador Giner; Luisa M. Beringola; Pedro M. Cano; Santos Rojo
• Keywords: Chrysomya megacephala; Calliphora vicina; Forensic Entomology; Lucilia

Abstract The oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), is a potential forensic indicator in Mediterranean countries due to its first report southwestern Europe 1998. It was recorded Alicante (southeastern Spain) and expanding across the Iberian Peninsula. Until now, this synanthropic species of importance had been captured baited traps on pig carcasses Europe, but never human corpses. After reviewing all cases studied at Institute Legal Medicine National Toxicology Forensic Sciences Madrid, C. for time seven Spanish cases. identification material collected during autopsies revealed scarcity compared other sarcosaprophagous Diptera community. In cases, larvae coexisted with thermophilous necrophagous blow fly Lucilia sericata . Other coexisting included calliphorids Calliphora vicina albiceps, muscid Synthesiomyia nudiseta various coastal localities Spain, particularly along southern coasts. Most shared common characteristics, including year (summer), domestic indoor habitats, decomposition stage (active decay). relevance these findings discussed relation taxonomy identifying exotic role as entomological evidence Europe. Given impact climate change, composition biology community, basin, must be continuously reviewed.