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Cuticular hydrocarbons for identifying Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Hannah E Moore1, Martin J R Hall2, Falko P Drijfhout3
1Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK. h.e.moore@cranfield.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|April 9, 2021
Summary
Insect cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles reliably identify flesh fly species and sexes, even in specimens over 100 years old. This chemical analysis aids in taxonomic identification and understanding sexual dimorphism in Sarcophaga flies.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) exhibit species-specific compositions and sexually dimorphic variations.
- CHC analysis is a valuable tool for insect identification and age determination across various orders, including Diptera.
- The genus Sarcophaga (Sarcophagidae) presents an opportunity to explore CHC profiles for taxonomic and identification purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of eleven Sarcophaga flesh fly species.
- To determine if CHC profiles can reliably identify species and differentiate sexes within the genus Sarcophaga.
- To assess the utility of CHC analysis for identifying museum specimens preserved over extended periods.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of CHCs from pinned adult male and female specimens of eleven Sarcophaga species.
- Analysis of CHC profiles using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Inclusion of specimens preserved for up to and over one hundred years.
Main Results:
- CHC profiles enabled reliable identification of the majority of Sarcophaga specimens.
- Significant differences in CHC profiles were observed between males and females of the same species.
- Successful association of males and females of the same species was achieved with sufficient replicates.
- CHC profiles remained identifiable in specimens preserved for over a century.
Conclusions:
- Cuticular hydrocarbon analysis is a robust method for the taxonomic identification of Sarcophaga flesh flies.
- CHC profiles provide a reliable means to distinguish sexes within Sarcophaga species.
- This technique is effective for identifying long-term preserved insect specimens, supporting museum collection utility.
- CHC analysis enhances our understanding of chemical communication and species-level differentiation in Diptera.
