Molecular Identification of Forensic Insects Collected from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Forensic entomology utilizes insects for legal and criminal investigations, particularly in determining the time of death when traditional medical parameters become ineffective after 72 h. Insects play a crucial role in Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation and provide insight into crime scene events. Methods: This study focused on the collection and molecular identification of forensic insects in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Rabbit carcasses were used as human analogs and were placed in specialized cages across five locations. Insects were collected twice daily for two weeks and identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)and sequencing were used for genetic analysis. Result: Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic similarities among the collected species, indicating low genetic diversity and a stable population structure. The key species identified were Sarcophaga dux, Wohlfahrtia nuba, Sarcophaga harpax, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya marginalis, Atherigona orientalis, Musca domestica and Hydrotaea capensis. These findings support the use of genetic analysis for accurate species identification in forensics. Additionally, this study highlights the potential impact of climate change on insect populations, suggesting future research directions in forensic entomology. This study contributes to the understanding of forensic insect ecology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhances forensic investigation methods.