Development of Muscina stabulans at constant temperatures with implications for minimum postmortem interval...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Entomology
• Medical Entomology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Muscina stabulans is a significant disease vector and has forensic value, especially for buried remains.
• Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is critical in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental duration and thermal requirements of Muscina stabulans.
• To establish developmental models for estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) using M. stabulans.

Main Methods:

• Rearing M. stabulans at seven constant temperatures (16-34°C).
• Analyzing developmental duration, accumulated degree days, and larval body length.
• Developing three models: isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal summation model.
• Employing regression analysis to correlate larval body length with age.

Main Results:

• M. stabulans completed development between 16°C and 31°C; development failed at 34°C.
• Average developmental durations from oviposition to eclosion were recorded at various temperatures.
• Linear and nonlinear models estimated lower developmental thresholds (9.87°C ± 0.33°C and 9.56°C), optimum temperatures (21.63°C), and upper lethal thresholds (32.85°C).

Conclusions:

• Established developmental models provide a basis for estimating PMImin using M. stabulans.
• The study offers valuable quantitative data for forensic entomologists utilizing M. stabulans in investigations.
• Understanding M. stabulans' thermal requirements enhances its utility in determining time since death.