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Increasing precision in development-based postmortem interval estimates: what's sex got to do with it?

Christine J Picard1, Kimberley Deblois, Felicia Tovar

  • 1Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. cpicard@iupui.edu

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Forensic entomology can improve postmortem interval (PMI) estimates by analyzing sex-specific growth in blow fly larvae. This study reveals that male and female *Lucilia sericata* larvae exhibit different growth rates, offering a new tool for more accurate PMI(MIN) calculations.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Entomology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Entomology

Background:

  • Forensic entomology utilizes postmortem interval (PMI) estimation models, primarily succession and development-based approaches.
  • Development-based PMI estimates rely on immature insect development, with larval size and instar stage being key data points.
  • The third larval instar in insects is characterized by significant growth variation, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of larval sex on the growth curves of *Lucilia sericata* (Diptera: Calliphoridae).
  • To determine if sex-specific growth patterns can enhance the accuracy of minimum postmortem interval (PMI(MIN)) estimations.
  • To exploit previously identified sexually dimorphic genome sizes in *L. sericata* for larval sex identification.

Main Methods:

  • A preliminary developmental study was conducted focusing on the third larval instar of *Lucilia sericata*.
  • Larval lengths were measured and compared between male and female specimens at two controlled temperatures (30°C and 33.5°C).
  • Statistical analyses were performed to assess the significance of length, sex, and temperature on age prediction.

Main Results:

  • Both larval length and sex were statistically significant predictors of age at both tested temperatures (P < 0.0001 for length, P < 0.01 for sex).
  • Total development duration for male *L. sericata* larvae was significantly shorter than for females (P < 0.001).
  • Sex-specific growth curves demonstrated reduced variation compared to combined-sex data.

Conclusions:

  • Larval sex is a significant factor influencing the developmental rate and growth of *Lucilia sericata*.
  • Incorporating sex-specific growth assessment offers a novel method to reduce variability in PMI(MIN) estimates derived from third instar larvae.
  • This approach has the potential to increase the precision and reliability of forensic entomological age assessments.