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VOL. 6, ISSUE 3 (2021)
Succession of three dipteran maggot families on poisoned pig cadavers
Authors
Maduamaka Cyriacus, Abajue, Sylvanus Chima, Ewuim, Cosmas Augustine Uhuo
Abstract
Dipteran maggots found on a cadaver are used to estimate its time of death but the time may be incorrect if death is because of ingestion of poison. Decomposition of a zinc phosphide intoxicated and non-intoxicated pigs (Sus scrofa Linn.) were evaluated in this study. They were deposited in a forest during a rainy season and repeated during a dry season at Awka, Nigeria. Decomposition durations and stages of decay of the pig cadavers were recorded. Maggots found on the cadavers were collected, reared to adult and were identified. Similar maggot samples were assessed for residues of zinc and phosphorus with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Both pig cadavers completely decomposed within 10 and 14 days during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Appearance and development of three dipteran maggot families were observed on the cadavers in a successional pattern. Zinc and phosphorus residues were detected in the maggots that fed on the poisoned cadavers but the residues were not detected in the maggots from the non-poisoned cadavers. The three dipteran maggot families are recommended as forensic entomology specimens for estimation of elapsed time of a questionable death and their bodies will be useful in toxicological analysis in the eastern, Nigeria.
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Pages:140-147
How to cite this article:
Maduamaka Cyriacus, Abajue, Sylvanus Chima, Ewuim, Cosmas Augustine Uhuo "Succession of three dipteran maggot families on poisoned pig cadavers ". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 6, Issue 3, 2021, Pages 140-147
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