Publication: The influence of altitude on the abundance and occurrence of species of the family Calliphoridae (Diptera) in corpses in a Mediterranean area
Loading...
Date
2024-03-15
Authors
Pérez-Marcos, María ; Ruiz-Franco, Laura ; García, María Dolores ; López-Gallego, Elena ; Arnaldos Sanabria, María Isabel
item.page.secondaryauthor
item.page.director
Publisher
publication.page.editor
publication.page.department
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15509
item.page.type
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
© 2024 American Academy of Forensic Sciences. This document is the Published version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Forensic Sciences. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15509
Abstract
A carcass is defined as a temporary resource that can support high levels of diversity compared to other resources. The level of diversity often depends on the environmental conditions in which the corpse is found. Calliphoridae (Diptera) are the most important necrophagous insects used in forensic investigations because this family is common, widespread, abundant, and usually the first to colonize a corpse. However,
understanding the processes responsible for variation in calliphorid species abundance and richness along gradients in ecology remains a key challenge. In this study, we analyzed the influence of altitude on the abundance and diversity of Calliphoridae species in corpses at three different altitudes (400, 900, and 1500 m a.s.l.) in a mountainous area of southeastern Spain. The results revealed a gradient of decreasing abundance with increasing altitude. An altitudinal substitution of species was observed, with Chrysomya albiceps being found at the lowest altitude and Calliphora vicina at the highest altitude. Seasonal variation was also noted, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species in the warmer months and C. vicina being the dominant species in winter. Our results confirm the importance of Calliphorids as seasonal, altitudinal, and environmental indicators,
given the wide distribution and abundance of this family. This information is of great interest on the interpretation of data in forensic practice.
publication.page.subject
Citation
J Forensic Sci. 2024 69:944–952
item.page.embargo
Collections
Ir a Estadísticas
Sin licencia Creative Commons.