Impact of submergence on the survival of the later immature stages of the forensically significant blow fly Calliphora vicina R.-D. (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The impact of submergence on the survival of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and its implications in estimates of the post-colonization interval have been relatively understudied in forensic entomology. In the present study, Calliphora vicina R.-D. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) post-feeding 3rd instar larvae and pupae were submerged in distilled water. Larvae were submerged between 1 hour and 5 hours while pupae, which refers to the puparium and the insect developing within the puparium for the purposes of this study, were submerged between 24 hours and 120 hours. Following submergence, survival of C. vicina, defined as successful eclosion, was monitored and recorded. The results demonstrated an inverse relationship between survival and submergence time, with survival being highest at the lowest submergence time points for both larvae and pupae. Having a greater understanding of the impact of submergence on the survival of blow flies may allow for more accurate estimates of the post-colonization interval and may also provide insight into the minimum submergence period of remains.