The study on application of Sarcophaga dux for postmortem interval estimation

Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is crucial to investigation of cases. Forensic entomology has a good application prospect in PMI estimation of corrupt cadavers. Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux (Thomson, 1869) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a flesh fly species with important forensic and medical significance. In the present study, (1)the development parameters of S. dux at seven constant temperatures from 16°C to 34°C in body length changes of the larval period, developmental duration and accumulated degree hours were investigated. (2)The complete mitogenome of S. dux was firstly sequenced and annotated, structured, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted by combination compared with other species of the sarcophagidae, which pave the way for searching effective molecular markers for the species identification of sarcophagidae.(3)The appropriate reference genes in the intrapuparial period and different temperatures of S. dux were selected for the accuracy of RT-qPCR. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of S. dux during the intrapuparial period at different constant temperatures (34, 25 and 16°C) were analyzed for more precise age estimations. (4)We also report a practical case of application of S. dux in estimation of PMImin. Through the above related studies, the practical application of S. dux in forensic entomology will be improved, providing an important theoretical basis for PMI estimation.