Decomposition and dipteran succession on buried rabbits carcasses.

The rabbit carcasses used in this study were buried at depths of 20 and 40 cm, were examined to construct a fly succession database on buried carrion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four rabbits were buried, 12 at 20 cm and 12 at 40 cm. One carcass at each depth was exhumed at 10-day intervals up to 120 days. The degradation rate varied among the carcasses. Differences in species and their colonization were also found in the superficial and exhumed carcasses. Eleven species of flies were recorded on carcasses interred at a depth of 20 cm and seven species at 40 cm, while 13 species were recorded on the carcasses over the top of the soil. Species Rhyncomya sp (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga dux Thomson, and Dolichotachina marginella (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were dominant at both depths, while Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedeman), Chrysomya rufifaces (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Musca domestica Linnaeus, and Musca sorbens Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) were dominant in surface carcasses. Megaselia scalaris (Loew) ((Diptera: Phoridae) is a common and typical forensic indicator that was found in the decay/advanced decay and dry stages at a depth of 20 cm. These findings are possibly useful in forensic investigations involving buried bodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Histomorphological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Healthy Liver of Yemen Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in Southern Saudi Arabia / Estudios Histomorfológicos, Histoquímicos y Ultraestructurales en el Hígado Sano del Camaleón Velado de Yemen (Chamaeleo calyptratus) en el Sur de Arabia Saudita

SUMMARY: The livers of reptiles are being studied as a model for the link between the environment and hepatic tissue. There have been few investigations on the histology of reptile livers, and very few or no studies have examined the histology of liver of veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). This paper describes the histomorphological, histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the liver of veiled chameleons in southern Saudi Arabia. Seven Chamaeleo calyptratus were captured in the summer season in Abha City, Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia. Chamaeleon liver samples were processed for histomorphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure analyses. Morphologically liver of Chamaeleo calyptratus was observed as a large dark brown organ with lighter speckles, which represent melanin deposits. It located at the ventral part of abdominal cavity forward of the stomach. Its dimensions approximately were 3.7 x 2 cm. The liver was a bilobed organ divided into two lobes, right and left lobes. The right one was bigger than the others. The gallbladder was well developed and had an elongated shape, situated between the two lobes and contained the bile for the digestion. Microscopically, the liver was found to be covered by a thick layer of connective tissue, which formed the hepatic capsule. Hepatic parenchyma probably appeared in cross sections as hepatic glandular-like alveoli "acini" or follicular structures with various diameters, each acinus contains approximately four to six hepatocytes, surrounded by sinusoidal capillaries filled with abundant melanomacrophages, which are absent in birds and mammals. Melanomacrophages are common in the hepatic parenchyma's perisinusoidal areas, particularly near portal spaces. Hepatocytes are polyhedral or pyramidal with and mostly contained large, rounded nuclei mostly peripherally located, with prominent dark oval nucleoli. Some of nuclei are eccentric or central position. The cytoplasm appeared spongy or vacuolated and more eosinophilic when stained by hematoxylin-eosin and strongly reactive to PAS staining technique, indicating abundant glycogen content. The reticular fibers that surround hepatocytes, blood arteries, and sinusoids supported the hepatic parenchyma. The blood sinusoids are seen interspersed among hepatocytes of varying sizes. The sinusoidal lumen was bordered by flattened endothelial cells and includes elliptical nucleated erythrocytes and liver macrophages as phagocytes, which are also known as Kupffer cells. Branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, small bile duct, and lymph vessels were detected in the hepatic portal area "tract" or triad which made up of connective. Hematopoietic tissue was observed in subcapsular region and portal triads. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocyte appeared polyhedric containing a single large rounded basal or eccentric vesicular nucleus with prominent nucleolus. Extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) often arranged in an array parallel to the nuclear membrane with many mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus were described. The cytoplasm contained glycogen granules, vesicles or vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm especially at the apical region were reported. The bile canaliculi and the hepatic "Kupffer" cells were also discussed. This is the first study on the histological characterization of the healthy liver of Yemen veiled chameleon in southern Saudi Arabia. The findings reported here should be used as a reference to compare with the pathological abnormalities of the liver in this animal.

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Beetles associated with buried carcasses: potential forensic importance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Burial has a special influence on carrion fauna, which may change the rate of decomposition and so affect postmortem estimates. This study aimed to identify species and succession of beetles on buried remains. From 28 January to 31 May 2021, we examined the Coleoptera on buried and exposed rabbit carcasses, on the campus of the University of King Saud in an area measured around 175 m by 250 m. The area is almost entirely devoid of flora, except for a few acacia trees and some common wild herbs. It is about 1 km away from residential neighborhoods. In total, 165 specimens belonging to 4 families were collected. The Tenebrionidae was the most abundant family, where it formed 52% at a depth of 20 cm and 78% at a depth of 40 cm in the buried carcasses, while the family Dermestidae was the most abundant in the surface carcasses, as it formed 53% of the insects sampled. Type Mesostena puncticollis Solier, 1835 (Tenebrionidae) predominated at exposed carcasses as well as at depths of 20, 40 cm and while type Dermestes frischii Kugelann, 1792 (Dermestidae), predominated at depth of 40 cm and exposed carcasses, and type Saprinus chalcites (Illiger, 1807) (Hisiteridae) at depth of 20 only. These findings are possibly useful in forensic investigations involving buried bodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of the Anticancer Potential of Morus nigra and Ocimum basilicum Mixture against Different Cancer Cell Lines: An In Vitro Evaluation.

Morus nigra (M) and Ocimum basilicum (O) mixture (MO2) extract was extracted using hexane (MO2H), chloroform (MO2C), ethyl acetate (MO2E), and methanol (MO2M) in a Soxhlet apparatus. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The IC50 values of the MO2C-treated cancer cells were 11.31 µg/mL (MDA-MB-231), 15.45 µg/mL (MCF-7), 18.9 µg/mL (HepG2), 26.33 µg/mL (Huh-7), 30.17 µg/mL (LoVo), and 36.76 µg/mL (HCT116). MO2C-treated cells showed cellular and nuclear morphological alterations like chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies as observed using light and fluorescent microscopy. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated in vitro using 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and egg albumin denaturation assays. It was evident that the MO2M extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (18.13%), followed by the MO2E extract (12.25%), MO2C extract (9.380%), and MO2H extract (6.31%). The highest inhibition percentage of albumin denaturation was observed in MO2H (28.54%), followed by MO2M (4.32%) at 0.2 and 0.1 mg/mL concentrations, respectively. The compounds identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for MO2C extract were α-trans-bergamotene, germacrene D, selin-4,7(11)-diene, 2 tridecen-1-ol, and 2-decen-1-ol. The present study reveals that MO2C has promising anticancer activity and may serve as a potent polyherbal extract in cancer treatment.

The molecular interplay of known phytochemicals as Culex pipiens and Rift Valley fever virus inhibitors through molecular docking.

Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors have claimed millions of lives. The mosquito Culex pipiens is a main vector species of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) transmission. RVFV is an arbovirus that infects both people and animals. No effective vaccine or drugs are available for RVFV. Therefore, it is vital to find effective therapies for this viral infection. Because of their critical roles in transmission and infection, acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) of Cx. Pipiens and RVFV glycoproteins, and nucleocapsid proteins are appealing protein targets. To understand intermolecular interactions, computational screening was carried out using molecular docking. More than 50 compounds were tested against different target proteins in the current study. Anabsinthin (-11.1 kcal/mol), zapoterin (-9.4 kcal/mol), porrigenin A (-9.4 kcal/mol), and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) (-9.4 kcal/mol) were the top hit compounds for Cx. Pipiens. Similarly, the top hit compounds for RVFV were zapoterin, porrigenin A, anabsinthin, and yamogenin. The toxicity of Rofficerone is predicted as fatal (Class II), whereas Yamogenin is safe (Class VI). Further investigations are needed to validate the selected promising candidates against Cx. pipiens and RVFV infection using in-vitro and in-vivo methods.

Corrigendum to "Target and Non-target effects of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla combined extract on Culex pipiens mosquitoes" [Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 28(10) (2021) 5773-5780].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.024.].

Preparation of antibacterial Zn and Ni substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for efficient biofilm eradication.

Zinc (Zn) and, alternatively, nickel (Ni) substituted cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of cubic structure of cobalt ferrite. FTIR analysis confirmed the vibrational band located at 550-580 cm-1 that belongs to the M - O bond (M = Ni, and Zn). The alteration of the surface morphology of CF after the addition of Zn and Ni ions was observed from scanning electron microscopic images. The additional peaks in the energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) analysis spectra were found to correspond to Zn and Ni. The presence of Zn and, alternatively, Ni ions enhanced the biocidal properties of CF NPs against gram negative organisms, in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure to CF, CF-Zn and CF-Ni NPs decreased metabolic activity due to the damage of extra polymorphic substances, live/dead cell variation, architecture and surface integrity of the cells. Altogether, the present investigation provides the basis of metal ion substituted metal oxide NPs as anti-biofilm agents against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

First Record of Brachymeria podagrica (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) in Bisha City, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Chalcid Brachymeria podagrica (Fabricius), formerly known as Brachymeria fonscolombei (Dufour), is a parasitoid wasp that infests dipteran larvae of fly, Sarcophaga dux (Thomson), (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) recovered from the dead body of sheep in Bisha City, Asir region-Saudi Arabia. S. dux larvae were infested by B. podagrica. The first instar larvae and pupae of B. podagrica were found inside the larvae and pupae of S. dux. The adults of the parasitic wasp emerged from the pupae of the host. Adults and larvae of the parasitoid wasp were observed under a dissecting microscope. Identification was made by following the identification keys. It was confirmed that it was B. podagrica, which is herewith reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

Photocatalytic degradation effect of CdSe nanoparticles for textile wastewater effluents at low cost and proves to be efficient method.

Semiconductor nanoparticles and nanocrystals have a great impact due to its contribution in the diverse fields including electronics, solar energy, biological imaging, and photonics. Among these semiconductor nanoparticles, cadmium selenide of II-VI group binary semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized using solvothermal process for the different reaction temperatures. The XRD pattern of the synthesized samples confirms the crystalline nature of the samples and showed increase in its crystallite size with rise in temperature. The morphology of the samples was analysed with TEM images and found that the nanoparticles synthesized at different temperatures were varied in size and shape indicating the increase in the size of the particles with the raise in temperature. The optical properties of the samples pointed out that they exhibit a blue shift owing to quantum confinement. Photocatalytic activity was carried out for the synthesized samples under visible light radiation using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant and it proved to be a good photocatalyst achieving the efficiency of 75% which is promising for future application with good optimization. The efficiency could be increased when these semiconductor CdSe nanoparticles are doped with metal particles due to an increase in the absorption edge wavelength and a decrease in bandgap energy were reported in detail.

Adsorption of heavy metals from the aqueous solution using activated biomass from Ulva flexuosa.

The removal of various highly toxic heavy metals from wastewater environment is an important task to improve environment. The biosorption potential of cadmium, cobalt and zinc was evaluated using Ulva flexuosa biomass. The impacts of adsorbent dosage, pH of the medium, contact time, and agitation speed were analyzed. The maximum biosorption potential was reached at pH 4.0, 0.4 g initial biosorbent dosage, contact time 40 min and 30 mg/L initial metal concentration for cadmium, while the other factors were similar to zinc, except 35 min contact time (p < 0.01). The optimum absorption was pH 4, 0.6% adsorbent dosage, after 30 min contact time with the heavy metals and 40 mg/L cobalt concentration. Heavy metal removal efficiency was 94.8 ± 3.3%, 87.5 ± 2.3%, and 90.8 ± 1.4%, for cadmium, cobalt, and zinc, respectively (p < 0.01). The Langmuir constant (R2) was 0.980 for cadmium, 0.838 for cobalt and it was 0.718 for zinc. The present results revealed that the selected acid modified biomass was highly suitable for the adsorption of metal ions such as, Cd2+, Co2+ and Zn2+. The present work revealed the potential application of algal biomass for the removal of various heavy metals from the environment.

Larvicidal activity and Histopathological changes of Cinnamomum burmannii, Syzygium aromaticum extracts and their combination on Culex pipiens.

In order to develop an eco-friendly botanical larvicide alternative to the synthetic larvicides, extracts were prepared from the Cinnamomum burmannii (C.B.) and Syzygium aromaticum (S.A.) with hexane using a sonicator. The extracts were evaluated for larvicidal activity individually and in combination against the Culex pipiens larvae. The LC50 value of C.B. and the S.A. hexane extracts tested individually were 184.2 and 363.7 µg/mL against Cx. pipiens respectively. All the combinations of the extract of C.B. and S.A. showed synergistic factors higher than one. Among the different ratios of extracts, the SA25%: CB75% extract was found to be more toxic than the other combinations (LC50:125.7 µg/mL). Midgut cells treated with S.A. 25%: C.B. 75% extract showed severe morphological alterations such as degradation of microvilli; degeneration of epithelial cells, and peritrophic membrane; loss of nuclei, irregular and damage of microvilli. The extract has a promising larvicidal potential against Cx. pipiens, However, the extract was toxic against HUVEC cells, as evident from MTT and cell morphology. Further investigation is required to assess the toxicity of the extract on aquatic animals.

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards.

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen.

Evaluating the efficacy of an innovative herbal formulation (HF6) on different human cancer cell lines.

Cancer is reported to be the leading cause of death and illness worldwide. This research aims to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and apoptotic activities of the polyherbal formulation HF6. HF6 was prepared by blending equal quantities of plants powder, namely, Curcuma longa, Salvia officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Capsicum annuum, Zingiber officinale, and Syzygium aromaticum, and later extracted using hexane (HF6H), chloroform (HF6C), ethyl acetate (HF6E), and methanol (HF6M) in Soxhlet apparatus. Among the four different extracts, only the hexane extract (HF6H) was significantly effective. The HF6H extract showed antioxidant and anticancer potentials against different cancer cell lines, and moderate cytotoxicity against non-cancer cells, rendering it a promising remedy. In addition, it exerted tremendous cytotoxic effects on MCF-7, Huh-7, HCT116, MDA-MB-231, LoVo, and HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 2.02, 4.5, 6.9, 11.4, 23.5, and 34.7 µg/mL, respectively. The morphological hallmarks of apoptosis such as the rounding of cells, loss of contact with neighboring cells, formation of cell membrane blebbing, and microspike protrusion were detected using several different techniques. DAPI staining revealed apoptotic nuclear morphology such as condensation and DNA fragmentation. The morphological changes of MCF7 cells were also analyzed by AO/EB fluorescence staining. MCF7-stained green cells were viable cells, whereas the treated cells showed fragmented green nuclei representing early apoptosis. The phytochemical screening of HF6H showed positive results regarding the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and sterols. The GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis of the HF6H extract indicated the presence of 12 compounds, mainly trans-caryophyllene (21.55%), cis-isoeugenol (18.42%), acetyleugenol (17.53%), alpha farnesene (10.0%), and zingiberene (8.55%). However, further investigation could be carried out to examine the toxicity of the extract on animal models.

Impact of Hypnotic Drug Zolpidem Tartrate on the Development of Forensic Fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

The flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) is one of the fly species of significant medical and forensic importance since it is one of the most common flesh flies used in forensic investigations. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults and its use has been implicated in many suicide cases worldwide. Fresh chopped liver of buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) containing different concentrations of Zolpidem tartrate was given to S. ruficornis larvae to evaluate the effect of Zolpidem tartrate on the developmental rate of the different stages, life cycle duration, and the morphological parameters. The findings have shown significant variation in the time required for the different developmental stages and total life cycle duration, which correlated positively with the Zolpidem tartrate concentration in different cultures. Compared to the control, the morphological parameters were negatively correlated with the concentration of Zolpidem tartrate in the treated cultures. The obtained results indicate that the Zolpidem tartrate retards larval development and alters the estimation of the total developmental duration. Thus, when Zolpidem tartrate may be the cause of death, the entomological evidence needs to be analyzed so it takes zolpidem-related changes to the mPMI into account.

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of surface - Treated SnO2 hierarchical nanorods against methylene blue dye under solar irradiation and biological degradation.

Surfactant -treated tin oxide (SnO2) hierarchical nanorods were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal technique. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed the prepared SnO2 possesses tetragonal rutile structure having appreciable crystallinity with crystallite sizes in the range of 110 nm-120 nm. UV-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra confirm that the better visible light absorption band of SnO2 hierarchical nanorods have red shift compared to the pure SnO2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study evident that the as-prepared SnO2 nanorods encompass the characteristic bands of SnO2 nanostructures. The morphological analyses of prepared materials were performed by FESEM, which shows that hierarchal nanorods and complex nanostructures. EDX analyses disclose all the samples are composed of Sn and O elements. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared surfactant treated SnO2 hierarchical nanorods was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) dye removal under direct natural sunlight. Recycling experiment results of CTAB - SnO2 nanorods and photocatalytic reaction mechanism also discussed in detail.

Insecticidal effects of a novel polyherbal formulation (HF7) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae).

Plant secondary metabolites represent the most efficient and convenient method to control and overcome environmental pollution and insecticidal resistance. This study explored the mosquitocidal activity of the combined extract of seven plants, (HF7) extracted using a Soxhlet extractor against Culex pipiens under laboratory conditions. Exposure of the 3rd instars of Cx. pipiens to HF7 hexane extract resulted in LC50:114.5 µg/mL and LC90:117.0 µg/mL values after 24 h. The ovicidal activities of hexane extract against Cx. pipiens eggs were 21.6%, 48.3%, and 71.6% at 187.5, 93.7, and 46.88 µg/mL, respectively. HF7-treated larvae showed the formation of irregular blebbing of epithelial cells toward the lumen and sloughing into the gut lumen. HF7 extract resulted in 100% adulticidal mortality at the concentration of 3.7 mg/test tube after 30 min of exposure. The IC50 of HF7 extract was 97.03 µg/ml against larvae, at which nuclear and morphological changes were observed. The spectroscopy spectrum of HF7 hexane extract disclosed the presence of 57 different secondary metabolites, among which the dominant compound was eugenol (32.3%). HF7 hexane extract could serve as a botanical insecticide for controlling Cx. pipiens and potentially other mosquito species.

Target and non-target effects of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla combined extract on Culex pipiens mosquitoes.

The present study focused on extracting green larvicides from extracts of the combination of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla using different solvents of increasing polarity in a Soxhlet extractor and evaluating their ovicidal, larvicidal, and cytotoxic activities. The most promising among all tested extracts was hexane extract. The ovicidal activity of the hexane PH2 extract resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in egg hatchability from 95.00 ± 6.16% to 15 ± 9.04% at doses ranging from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL. The larval mortality with the hexane extract ranged from 13.33 ± 3.3% to 93.33 ± 3.3% at doses ranging from 31.25 to 250 µg/mL, respectively. The LC50 and LC90 values of the larvicidal activity of the hexane extract were estimated to be 148.3 and 242.17 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. Similarly, the LC50 values after 48 and 72 h of exposure were 124.93 and 100.3 µg/mL, respectively, against the third instar of Cx. pipiens. PH2 treatment of larvae resulted in histopathological changes such as degenerated epithelial cells and destruction of microvilli on the epithelial cells. The PH2 extract achieved a dose-dependent decrease in the rate of cell survival. The IC50 value of PH2-treated HUVECs was 192.07 µg/mL after 24 h of incubation. The cells showed changes in cellular and nuclear morphology. In conclusion, the hexane extract of PH2 could be used in mosquito management programs.

Decomposition process for buried rat (Rattus norvegicus, Berkenhout 1769) carcasses in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia: A preliminary study.

The present report outlines the initial observations from an ongoing study examining the decomposition rate of buried rat (Rattus norvegicus, Berkenhout 1769) carcasses in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Eight rat carcasses were buried in separate holes at depths of 20 and 40 cm (four holes per depth) to allow natural decomposition and examined at 10-day intervals up to 40 days. During the study period, environmental factors such as humidity, soil temperature, and air temperature were monitored at each depth on a daily basis. At the end of each burial period, one carcass from each depth was exhumed and the degree of decay and presence of insect activity were examined. The results showed that burial depth and temperature were major factors affecting the decomposition rate, whereas no insect activity was observed. The findings of this study can be used to more accurately estimate the time since burial of carcasses.

Effect of Zolpidem Tartrate on the Developmental Rate of Forensically Important Flies Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Chrysomya saffranea.

Entomotoxicology is an emerging science in the forensic investigation of death; it now influences judicial activities. Briefly, carrion flies ingest various chemicals as they feed on a cadaver. In entomotoxicology, such toxicological compounds are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in insects recovered from carrion. Some of these chemicals can disrupt flies' cellular physiology, leading to acceleration or delay in their developmental rate. In this study, the effect of zolpidem-contaminated tissue on the dipteran flies Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius 1794) and Chrysomya saffranea (Bigot 1877) was assessed. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic compound commonly used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders, but it is associated with death from suicide. The effects were tested by providing the flies with liver tissue treated with various concentrations of zolpidem tartrate. The morphological parameters and development rate for all life cycle stages of treated insects were determined and used to estimate postmortem intervals. Results showed that the morphological parameters, i.e., weight, width, and length and rate of development of C. megacephala and C. saffranea was negatively associated with zolpidem tartrate concentration of C. saffranea, were negatively associated with the concentration of zolpidem tartrate, indicating that arthropod evidence evaluation can help establish the cause and time of death.