The Relationship Between Surrounding Temperature and Larval Massing Temperature on Blowfly Growth Rate

Forensic entomologists estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) based on the larvae growth rate in the surrounding temperature where the dead body is found and the temperature within the larval massing. This larvae growth rate can be used to estimate when the dead body is initially colonised by blowfly’s larvae based on larvae size that is commonly measured in terms of length, weight and width. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between surrounding temperature and larval massing temperature on the blowfly’s development rate at three different environmental conditions. Chicken carcasses inserted with temperature logger to record the larval massing temperature were left at three different environmental locations. Another temperature logger was placed near each of the locations to record the surrounding temperature of the locations. Three replicates of chicken carcasses were used for each location. This study shows direct correlation of the two parameters in which as the surrounding temperature rises the larval massing temperature also rises. Among the three locations, jungle site recorded the highest temperature and largest larval masses providing optimal conditions for larval growth. Subsequently, the jungle site exhibited the highest growth rate followed by outdoor site while the abandoned building showed the lowest larvae growth rate. More environmental variables in different locations or surroundings should be included in future research for better understanding and enhance accuracy in estimating PMI.