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Kabkaew L Sukontason - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Forensic Entomology cases in thailand a review of cases from 2000 to 2006
Parasitology Research, 2007Co-Authors: Kabkaew L Sukontason, Karnda Vichairat, Somsak Piangjai, Paitoon Narongchai, Chaturong Kanchai, Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, Tanin Bhoopat, Hiromu Kurahashi, Manoch Chockjamsai, Nophawan BunchuAbstract:This paper presents and discusses 30 cases of cadavers that had been transferred for Forensic Entomology investigations to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, northern Thailand, from 2000 to 2006. Variable death scenes were determined, including forested area and suburban and urban outdoor and indoor environments. The fly specimens found in the corpses obtained were the most commonly of the blow fly of family Calliphoridae, and consisted of Chrysomya megacephala (F.), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) Chrysomya villeneuvi Patton, Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin, Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve, Chrysomya chani Kurahashi, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann), and two unknown species. Flies of the family Muscidae [Hydrotaea spinigera Stein, Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp)], Piophilidae [Piophila casei (L.)], Phoridae [Megaselia scalaris (Loew)], Sarcophagidae [Parasarcophaga ruficornis (F.) and three unknown species], and Stratiomyiidae (Sargus sp.) were also collected from these human remains. Larvae and adults of the beetle, Dermestes maculatus DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), were also found in some cases. Chrysomya megacephala and C. rufifacies were the most common species found in the ecologically varied death scene habitats associated with both urban and forested areas, while C. nigripes was commonly discovered in forested places. S. nudiseta was collected only from corpses found in an indoor death scene.
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first report of human myiasis caused by chrysomya megacephala and chrysomya rufifacies diptera calliphoridae in thailand and its implication in Forensic Entomology
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2005Co-Authors: Kabkaew L Sukontason, Somsak Piangjai, Paitoon Narongchai, Duanghatai Sripakdee, Noppawan Boonchu, Tarinee Chaiwong, Radchadawan NgernklunAbstract:We report a Forensic Entomology case associated with human myiasis in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. The remains of a 53-yr-old-male were concurrently infested with third instars of the two blow fly species, Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), near a severe tumor lesion presented on the lower right leg. The presence of third instars, ≈5 d old, on the day following postmortem indicated that myiasis occurred before death. This is the first report of both fly species acting as a myiasis-producing agent in Thailand. Unsynchronized data between the age of fly larvae due to myiasis premortem and verified age/condition of the corpse suggest a potential complication and error in the estimation of postmortem interval if other predisposition fly infestations are not considered.
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the first documented Forensic Entomology case in thailand
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2001Co-Authors: Kabkaew L Sukontason, Karnda Vichairat, Somsak Piangjai, Sirisuda Lertthamnongtham, Roy C Vogtsberger, Jimmy K OlsonAbstract:Abstract The Forensic Entomology case described herein is the first such case documented in Thailand. A mummified corpse of a 32-yr-old man was discovered in a forested habitat, with the larvae of six species of flies (Diptera) found in association with the corpse at the time of its discovery, i.e., those of Hydrotaea (=Ophyra) spinigera Stein (family Muscidae), Piophila casei (L.) (family Piophilidae), Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (family Phoridae), Sargus sp. (family Stratiomyidae), and larvae of two unidentified flesh fly species (family Sarcophagidae). The presence and age of the larval specimens of P. casei, M. scalaris, and H. spinigera gave entomological evidence that the postmortem interval for the corpse was 3–6 mo. This report also documents some of the Forensically important fly species that occur in Thailand.
Jens Amendt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the Forensic Entomology case report a global perspective
Insects, 2021Co-Authors: Zanthe Kotze, Jens Amendt, M J R Hall, Gail S Anderson, Sylvain Aimar, Luc Bourguignon, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Forensic practitioners analyzing entomological evidence are faced with numerous challenges when presenting their findings to law practitioners, particularly in terms of terminology used to describe insect age, what this means for colonization time of remains, and the limitations to estimates made. Due to varying legal requirements in different countries, there is no standard format for the entomological case report prepared, nor any guidelines as to the sections that are required, optional or unnecessary in a case report. The authors herein propose sections that should be considered when drafting an entomological case report. The criteria under which entomological evidence is analyzed are discussed, as well as the limitations for each criterion. The concept of a global, standardized entomological case report is impossible to achieve due to national legislative differences, but the authors here propose a basic template which can be adapted and changed according to the needs of the practitioner. Furthermore, while the discussion is fairly detailed, capturing all differences between nations could not be accomplished, and those initiating casework for the first time are encouraged to engage other practicing Forensic entomologists or professional associations within their own nation or region, to ensure a complete report is generated that meets lab or national requirements, prior to generating a finalized report.
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precocious egg development in wild calliphora vicina diptera calliphoridae an issue of relevance in Forensic Entomology
Forensic Science International, 2020Co-Authors: Lena Lutz, Jens AmendtAbstract:The list of factors influencing the development of Forensically important insects and the related effects on minimum post mortem (PMImin) estimations is long and well established by various authors in Forensic Entomology over the last decades. Despite the fact that several authors mention precocious egg development, i.e. first instar larva in the genital tract of some species of Calliphoridae, as a potential error source for PMImin estimations just two studies were performed to examine the occurrence of precocious eggs both in laboratory and field populations of blow flies. In the present study the occurrence of gravid females with precocious eggs in a wild population of Calliphora vicina in Frankfurt am Main was surveyed over 152 days and their seasonal distribution was analyzed as well as the influence of abiotic variables on their abundance. During the sampling occasions, 5.216 females were sampled of which 44 % were gravid. 54 % of all gravid females had a precocious egg/first instar larva in their genital tract. This number varied depending on the season and showed the highest amount in spring with almost 64 % of all gravid females. Hence, precocious eggs in wild populations of blow flies can occur much more frequently than mentioned in Forensic literature. Consequences for the evaluation of entomological evidence in Forensic casework should not be overrated since focusing alone on the largest larva in a sample is not recommended as the sole reference in an entomological PMImin estimation. The entomological report has to justify its findings, discuss different options and finally state what is considered to be the most likely scenario based on the complete evidence (e.g. including all species and relevant age cohorts as well as succession data) and the case specific history.
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lucilia silvarum meigen 1826 diptera calliphoridae a new species of interest for Forensic Entomology in europe
Forensic Science International, 2012Co-Authors: Heike Fremdt, Richard Zehner, Anders Lindstrom, Krzysztof Szpila, Johannes Huijbregts, Jens AmendtAbstract:In Europe, the blowfly genus Lucilia is represented in Forensic Entomology mainly by the species L. ampullacea, L. caesar, L. illustris and L. sericata. In the US, Lucilia silvarum is rarely recorded as a carrion breeding species but usually as a more or less exclusive parasite of frogs and toads. We present three Forensic cases from different European countries reporting, for the first time, L. silvarum on human bodies that were found close to lakes, wetlands, or riversides. To use this species for post-mortem interval estimations, thermal development data is needed. The first step is accurate identification by morphological and molecular means. Therefore, we analysed a 611 bp part of the mitochondrial COI region for 23 specimens of L. silvarum from 9 different geographical regions, all of which give the same haplotype. Differences within the haplotype varied by up to 0.2%. Comparison between the haplotype found and those published on GenBank showed up to 1.2% variance. Moreover, we present an updated key for the morphological identification of the third larval instars of European Lucilia spp. of Forensic importance, adding not only L. silvarum, but also L. cuprina which was recorded in Europe for the first time about 20 years ago.
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Forensic Entomology applications and limitations
Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, 2011Co-Authors: Jens Amendt, Carlo Pietro Campobasso, Richard Zehner, Cs Richards, M J R HallAbstract:Forensic Entomology is the science of collecting and analysing insect evidence to aid in Forensic investigations. Its main application is in the determination of the minimum time since death in cases of suspicious death, either by estimating the age of the oldest necrophagous insects that developed on the corpse, or by analysing the insect species composition on the corpse. In addition, toxicological and molecular examinations of these insects may help reveal the cause of death or even the identity of a victim, by associating a larva with its last meal, for example, in cases where insect evidence is left at a scene after human remains have been deliberately removed. Some fly species can develop not only on corpses but on living bodies too, causing myiasis. Analysis of larvae in such cases can demonstrate the period of neglect of humans or animals. Without the appropriate professional collection of insect evidence, an accurate and convincing presentation of such evidence in court will be hampered or even impossible. The present paper describes the principles and methods of Forensic Entomology and the optimal techniques for collecting insect evidence.
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current concepts in Forensic Entomology
2010Co-Authors: Jens AmendtAbstract:Early Postmortem Changes and Stages of Decomposition.- Keys for Identification of Immature Insects.- Key for the Identification of Third Instars of European Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of Forensic Importance.- The Utility of Coleoptera in Forensic Investigations.- Phoretic Mites and Carcasses: Acari Transported by Organisms Associated with Animal and Human Decomposition.- Indoor Arthropods of Forensic Importance: Insects Associated with Indoor Decomposition and Mites as Indoor Markers.- Contemporary Precision, Bias and Accuracy of Minimum Post-Mortem Intervals Estimated Using Development of Carrion-Feeding Insects.- Analysing Forensic Entomology Data Using Additive Mixed Effects Modelling.- Toxicology and Forensic Entomology.- Cuticular Hydrocarbons: A New Tool in Forensic Entomology?.- Exploiting Insect Olfaction in Forensic Entomology.- Decomposition and Invertebrate Colonization of Cadavers in Coastal Marine Environments.- The Insects Colonisation of Buried Remains.- Forensic Implications of Myiasis.- Climate Change and Forensic Entomology.- Future Trends in Forensic Entomology.
Mark Benecke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a brief survey of the history of Forensic Entomology
2008Co-Authors: Mark BeneckeAbstract:th century) a killer was convicted with the help of flies. Artistic contributions, e.g. from the 15 th and 16 th century, show corpses with “worms”, i.e. maggots. At the end of the 18 th and in the beginning of the 19 th century Forensic doctors pointed out the significance of maggots for decomposition of corpses and soon the hour of death was determined using pupae of flies (Diptera) and larval moths (Lepidoptera) as indicators. In the eighties of the 19 th century, when REINHARD and HOFMANN documented adult flies (Phoridae) on corpses during mass exhumation, case reports began to be replaced by systematic studies and Entomology became an essential part of Forensic medicine and criminology. At nearly the same time the French army veterinarian MEGNIN recognized that the colonisation of corpses, namely outside the grave, takes place in predictable waves; his book “La faune des cadavres” published in 1894 is a mile stone of the Forensic Entomology. Canadian (JOHNSTON & VILLENEUVE) and American (MOTTER) scientists have been influenced by MEGNIN. Since 1895 the former studied Forensically important insects on non buried corpses and in 1896 and 1897 MOTTER published observations on the fauna of exhumed corpses, the state of corpses as well as the composition of earth and the time of death of corpses in the grave. At the end of the 19 th and in the beginning of the 20 th century the Germans KLINGELHOFFER and MASCHKA as well as the Forensic doctor HOROSKIEWICZ from Krakau dealt with alleged child homicides, including the suspected use of sulphuric acid. In this context, it was shown that ants, cockroaches and freshwater arthropods could produce post-mortem artefacts suggestive of child abuse. These and many other studies laid the foundations for subsequent faunistic surveys, monographs and ecological studies of arthropods important for Forensic science and for the development of modern, better and better research methods of Forensic Entomology. Since the 1990’s, Forensic Entomology is taught and practiced in many countries in all continents and police academies, and international trainings for students take place since 2002 on a regular base. Forensic Entomology, history, post mortem interval, P. MEGNIN, medico-legal use of insects
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neglect of the elderly Forensic Entomology cases and considerations
Forensic Science International, 2004Co-Authors: Mark Benecke, Eberhard Josephi, Ralf ZweihoffAbstract:Abstract Wounds of living persons are a potential target for the same flies that live, or feed early on corpses. This can lead to complications in estimation of PMI but also allows to determine additional information that might be valuable in a trial, or during the investigations [e.g., M. Benecke, R. Lessig, Child neglect and Forensic Entomology, Forensic Sci. Int. 120 (2001) 155–159]. With Forensic Entomology, and Forensic entomologists being more and more present, even lower profile cases like the neglect of elderly people (without violence being used against them; i.e., natural death) comes to our attention. Furthermore, much more people grow older than in the past years which leads to increased awareness of malpractice of caregivers in the professional, and personal environment [DPA (German Press Agency), Studie an 17000 Leichen: Jeder Siebte vor Tod falsch gepflegt (Every seventh elderly person not cared for sufficiently), German Press Agency dpa # 051402, Jan 3, Jan 5, 2003] . We briefly sketch three cases in which Forensic Entomology helped to better understand the circumstances of death, and the type and intensity of neglect before death.
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neglect of the elderly Forensic Entomology cases and considerations
Forensic Science International, 2004Co-Authors: Mark Benecke, Eberhard Josephi, Ralf ZweihoffAbstract:Wounds of living persons are a potential target for the same flies that live, or feed early on corpses. This can lead to complications in estimation of PMI but also allows to determine additional information that might be valuable in a trial, or during the investigations [e.g., M. Benecke, R. Lessig, Child neglect and Forensic Entomology, Forensic Sci. Int. 120 (2001) 155‐159]. With Forensic Entomology, and Forensic entomologists being more and more present, even lower profile cases like the neglect of elderly people (without violence being used against them; i.e., natural death) comes to our attention. Furthermore, much more people grow older than in the past years which leads to increased awareness of malpractice of caregivers in the professional, and personal environment [DPA (German Press Agency), Studie an 17000 Leichen: Jeder Siebte vor Tod falsch gepflegt (Every seventh elderly person not cared for sufficiently), German Press Agency dpa # 051402, Jan 3, Jan 5, 2003]. We briefly sketch three cases in which Forensic Entomology helped to better understand the circumstances of death, and the type and intensity of neglect before death. # 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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a brief history of Forensic Entomology
Forensic Science International, 2001Co-Authors: Mark BeneckeAbstract:Abstract Apart from an early case report from China (13th century) and later artistic contributions, the first observations on insects and other arthropods as Forensic indicators were documented in Germany and France during mass exhumations in the late 1880s by Reinhard and Hofmann, whom we propose recognizing as co-founders of the discipline. After the French publication of Megnin’s popular book on the applied aspects of Forensic Entomology, the concept quickly spread to Canada and the US. At the time, researchers recognized that the lack of systematic observations of Forensically important insects stood in the way of their use as indicators of postmortem interval. General advances in insect taxonomy, and ecology helped close this gap over the following decades. Many early case reports dealt with alleged child homicides, including the suspected use of sulphuric acid. In this context, it was shown that ants, cockroaches, and freshwater arthropods could produce postmortem artifacts suggestive of child abuse. After the World Wars, few Forensic Entomology cases entered the scientific literature. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Leclecq and Nuorteva were primarily responsible for maintaining the method in Central Europe, with a focus on case work. Since then, basic research in the US, Russia and Canada has opened the way to the routine use of Entomology in Forensic investigations. The following article gives a brief overview of historic developments in the field. A major focus is on the work done between 1850 and 1950. Since sources from that time remain difficult to track down, the article also includes a historic bibliographical overview on Forensic Entomology of that era.
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child neglect and Forensic Entomology
Forensic Science International, 2001Co-Authors: Mark Benecke, Rudiger LessigAbstract:Abstract Close co-operation between Forensic scientists, medico-legal doctors, and police forces made it possible to estimate not only the post-mortem interval but also the time since a child was neglected. On the skin surface under the diaper (anal-genital area), third instar larvae of the false stable fly Muscina stabulans FALLEN, and the lesser house fly Fannia canicularis L. were found. F. canicularis adults are attracted to both feces and urine. From the face, larvae of the bluebottle fly Calliphora vomitoria L. were collected. C. vomitoria maggots are typical early inhabitants of corpses. From the developmental times of the flies, it was estimated that the anal-genital area of the child had not been cleaned for about 14 days (7–21 day range), and that death occurred only 6–8 days prior to discovery of the body. This is the first report where an examination of the maggot fauna on a person illustrated neglect that had occurred prior to death.
Jeffery K Tomberlin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the Forensic Entomology case report a global perspective
Insects, 2021Co-Authors: Zanthe Kotze, Jens Amendt, M J R Hall, Gail S Anderson, Sylvain Aimar, Luc Bourguignon, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Forensic practitioners analyzing entomological evidence are faced with numerous challenges when presenting their findings to law practitioners, particularly in terms of terminology used to describe insect age, what this means for colonization time of remains, and the limitations to estimates made. Due to varying legal requirements in different countries, there is no standard format for the entomological case report prepared, nor any guidelines as to the sections that are required, optional or unnecessary in a case report. The authors herein propose sections that should be considered when drafting an entomological case report. The criteria under which entomological evidence is analyzed are discussed, as well as the limitations for each criterion. The concept of a global, standardized entomological case report is impossible to achieve due to national legislative differences, but the authors here propose a basic template which can be adapted and changed according to the needs of the practitioner. Furthermore, while the discussion is fairly detailed, capturing all differences between nations could not be accomplished, and those initiating casework for the first time are encouraged to engage other practicing Forensic entomologists or professional associations within their own nation or region, to ensure a complete report is generated that meets lab or national requirements, prior to generating a finalized report.
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Forensic Entomology international dimensions and frontiers
Forensic entomology: international dimensions and frontiers., 2015Co-Authors: Jeffery K Tomberlin, Mark Eric BenbowAbstract:The use of Forensic Entomology has become established as a global science. Recent efforts in the field bridge multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, and systematics as well as ecology and evolution. The first book of its kind, Forensic Entomology: International Dimensions and Frontiers provides an inc
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assessment of decomposition studies indicates need for standardized and repeatable research methods in Forensic Entomology
Journal of Forensic Research, 2012Co-Authors: Jeffery K Tomberlin, Jason H. Byrd, John R Wallace, Eric M BenbowAbstract:The National Research Council (NRC) released a report in 2009 discussing the “science” used in Forensics. Specifically, the report outlined concerns regarding the state of the Forensic sciences and what was needed to raise the level of rigor and reliability of these fields in a court of law. In response to this NRC document, the present paper examined several parameters used in decomposition studies that have implications for Forensic Entomology. Specifically, this analysis was conducted to determine the degree of repeatability in methods across studies as related to general conclusions drawn in court, Entomology and Forensic investigations. Forensic entomologists primarily analyze insect evidence recovered from decomposing remains to estimate a portion of the Period of Insect Activity (PIA), which encompasses the time of colonization, to infer a minimum Postmortem Interval (PMI). One method utilized by entomologists relies on succession data from published studies to generate estimates of the minimum PMI of a decedent. For this article, approximately 75 publications on arthropod succession on vertebrate carrion were reviewed for 13 criteria that are known to play instrumental roles in governing this process: 1) animal model, 2) time of actual death, 3) euthanasia method, 4) storage method, 5) storage time, 6) time of removal from storage to placement in the field, 7) time of day remains placed in the field, 8) catalog of arthropods associated with the remains over time 9) time of initial insect contact, 10) time of initial colonization (i.e., arthropod offspring located on the remains), 11) study site, 12) number of replicate carcasses and 13) months and season of study. These criteria were selected as they can directly impact arthropod colonization and succession patterns on vertebrate carrion and are easily recorded. Data indicated that such information is highly fragmented, and that key criteria necessary to repeat studies (a core principle of the scientific method) are often lacking in the published literature. As an example, among the studies included in this analysis, we could not find significant associations between arthropod taxa richness and carcass model or carcass size. In the case of carcass size, island biogeography theory predicts that larger areas/resources will hold higher diversity. We suspect that the high degree of reporting variability in taxonomic resolution and taxa-specific study focus precluded such relationships that have been reported for other disciplines of biology. Consequently, we suggest that, to date, because of these issues there has not been a comprehensive analysis (e.g., meta-analysis) to provide general inference of arthropod succession patterns on carrion to predict a minimum PMI. In order to begin standardizing such studies, we suggest that future research endeavors examining arthropod succession on carrion record detailed data for all of the suggested criteria. Doing so can result in data amassed over time for use in comprehensive and strong meta-analyses. Such results could allow for greater appreciation of variation associated with arthropod succession on carrion.
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a roadmap for bridging basic and applied research in Forensic Entomology
Annual Review of Entomology, 2011Co-Authors: Jeffery K Tomberlin, Aaron M. Tarone, Rachel M Mohr, M E Benbow, Sherah L. VanlaerhovenAbstract:The National Research Council issued a report in 2009 that heavily criticized the Forensic sciences. The report made several recommendations that if addressed would allow the Forensic sciences to develop a stronger scientific foundation. We suggest a roadmap for decomposition ecology and Forensic Entomology hinging on a framework built on basic research concepts in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Unifying both basic and applied research fields under a common umbrella of terminology and structure would facilitate communication in the field and the production of scientific results. It would also help to identify novel research areas leading to a better understanding of principal underpinnings governing ecosystem structure, function, and evolution while increasing the accuracy of and ability to interpret entomological evidence collected from crime scenes. By following the proposed roadmap, a bridge can be built between basic and applied decomposition ecology research, culminating in science that could withstand the rigors of emerging legal and cultural expectations.
Claudio Jose Von Zuben - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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behavior of the combined radial post feeding larval dispersal of the blowflies chrysomya megacephala and chrysomya albiceps diptera calliphoridae and implications for Forensic Entomology
Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 2007Co-Authors: Leonardo Gomes, Marcos Sanches, Claudio Jose Von ZubenAbstract:The aims of this work was to study the life stages of Chrysomya megacephala in a circular arena allowing the combined radial post-feeding dispersal from the center of the arena of C. albiceps and C. megacephala larvae. To determine the location of each pupa, the distance from the center, the depth and weight of each pupa formed were analyzed. For the larvae of C. albiceps, females released buried deeper than males, reaching an average depth of 10.74 cm and C. megacephala larvae presented greater average results than C. albiceps for all variables, particularly distance, which was 16.02 cm for this species and 12.30 cm for C. albiceps. C. albiceps larvae preyed on 30 C. megacephala larvae in both experiments. These results could be used in Forensic Entomology because the evaluation of Post Mortem Interval (PMI) was one of the most important aspects of legal medicine, and it could be underestimated if the older dispersing larvae or those that dispersed longer and faster or deeper, were not taken into account.
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Forensic Entomology and main challenges in brazil
Neotropical Entomology, 2006Co-Authors: Leonardo Gomes, Claudio Jose Von ZubenAbstract:Apart from an early case report from China (13th century), the first observations on insects and other arthropods as Forensic indicators were documented in Germany and France during mass exhumations in the 1880s by Reinhard, who is considered a co-founder of the discipline. After the French publication of Megnin's popular book on the applied aspects of Forensic Entomology, the concept quickly spread to Canada and United States. At that time, researchers recognized that the lack of systematic observations of insects of Forensic importance jeopardized their use as indicators of postmortem interval. General advances in insect taxonomy and ecology helped to fill this gap over the following decades. After World Wars, few Forensic Entomology cases were reported in the scientific literature. From 1960s to the 1980s, Leclercq and Nuorteva were primarily responsible for maintaining the method in Central Europe, reporting isolated cases. Since then, basic research in the USA, Russia and Canada opened the way to the routine use of Entomology in Forensic investigations. Identifications of insects associated with human cadavers are relatively few in the literature of the Neotropical region and have received little attention in Brazil. This article brings an overview of historic developments in this field, the recent studies and the main problems and challenges in South America and mainly in Brazil.
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postfeeding radial dispersal in larvae of chrysomya albiceps diptera calliphoridae implications for Forensic Entomology
Forensic Science International, 2005Co-Authors: Leonardo Gomes, Claudio Jose Von ZubenAbstract:Blowflies utilize discrete and ephemeral breeding sites for larval nutrition. After the exhaustion of food, larvae begin dispersing in search of sites to pupate or additional food sources, a process referred as postfeeding larval dispersal. Some of the most important aspects of this process were investigated in the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps, employing a circular arena to allow radial dispersion of larvae from the center. The results showed a positive correlation between burial depth and distance, and a negative correlation between distance and pupal weight. These results can be used in Forensic Entomology for the postmortem interval estimation of human corpses in medico-criminal investigations.