The influence of altitude on the abundance and occurrence of species of the family Calliphoridae (Diptera) in corpses in a Mediterranean area.
J Forensic Sci
; 69(3): 944-952, 2024 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38491762
ABSTRACT
A carcass is defined as a temporary resource that can support high levels of diversity compared to other resources. The level of diversity often depends on the environmental conditions in which the corpse is found. Calliphoridae (Diptera) are the most important necrophagous insects used in forensic investigations because this family is common, widespread, abundant, and usually the first to colonize a corpse. However, understanding the processes responsible for variation in calliphorid species abundance and richness along gradients in ecology remains a key challenge. In this study, we analyzed the influence of altitude on the abundance and diversity of Calliphoridae species in corpses at three different altitudes (400, 900, and 1500 m a.s.l.) in a mountainous area of southeastern Spain. The results revealed a gradient of decreasing abundance with increasing altitude. An altitudinal substitution of species was observed, with Chrysomya albiceps being found at the lowest altitude and Calliphora vicina at the highest altitude. Seasonal variation was also noted, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species in the warmer months and C. vicina being the dominant species in winter. Our results confirm the importance of Calliphorids as seasonal, altitudinal, and environmental indicators, given the wide distribution and abundance of this family. This information is of great interest on the interpretation of data in forensic practice.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Seasons
/
Altitude
/
Feeding Behavior
/
Forensic Entomology
/
Calliphoridae
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Forensic Sci
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Spain