Synthesiomyia nudiseta

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Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synthesiomyia nudiseta profile.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Muscidae
Genus:
Synthesiomyia
Species:
S. nudiseta
Binomial name
Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synonyms
  • Cyrtoneura nudisetaWulp, 1883
  • Hyadesimyia griseaGiglio-tos, 1893
  • Synthesiomyia brasiliana Brauer & von Bergenstamm, 1893

Synthesiomyia nudiseta is one of the largest flies in the family Muscidae. The fly has a pair of forewings; the paired hind wings have been reduced to halteres that help with stability and movement during flight. Key characteristics of this species include plumose (that is, "feathery") segmented aristae, well-developed calypters, and sternopleural bristles. [2] Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a forensically important species because it is necrophilous and can therefore help determine the time of colonization for the post mortem interval with its known life cycle.

Contents

Classification

The species Synthesiomyia nudiseta, was named by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1883; [3] and S. nudiseta is the only known species under the genus Synthesiomyia. [4]

Synthesiomyia nudiseta is essentially a kind of necrophagous fly. Larvae of S. nudiseta were found in a cadaver in Costa Rica, and the larvae have also been shown to be important on decomposition of carcasses in Malaysia. S. nudiseta are said to be useful in the recognition of the range of post-death, and of importance to forensic entomology. In Brazil, S. nudiseta is very common in Rio de Janeiro, where it is highly synanthropic. [5]

Anatomy and defining characteristics

dorsal view Synthesiomyia nudiseta dorsal.jpg
dorsal view

The Synthesiomyia nudiseta fly is one of the largest muscids, roughly 7 to 10 mm in length. As an adult fly, its abdomen is gray with a pattern resembling a checkerboard, similar to the type found on flesh flies. This species can be misidentified as a small sarcophagid; however, it can be easily separated from sarcophagids because the thorax consists of four longitudinal stripes and the terminal segment of the abdomen is yellow instead of red. The antennae and palpi also are orange or yellow in color. [6] In more detail, the posterior spiracles on the adult fly have s- shaped slits, which allow for air to enter the insect’s trachea. It also contains a highly chitinized and complete peritreme.

More significant characteristics of S. nudiseta are its large and predacious larvae which can easily consume C. rufiffacies. Spiracular buttons are present in the premature third instar. The anterior spiracles contain five to seven papillae each. The puparia are enclosed in a silky white substance for protection. [7] [8]

It is also closely related to Muscina differing primarily in the precise details of larval and adult morphology and in its location. Furthermore, some significant identifying characteristics for the adult flies in the family musicdae include a pair of antennae, three segmented plumose aristae, a frontal suture, well developed calypters, hypo pleura without bristles, and more than one sternopleural bristles. The distinct parastomal sclerite in the second instar larva can be known as its most unusual identifying characteristic. [9]

Diet

lateral view Synthesiomyia nudiseta lateral.jpg
lateral view

Larvae prefer carrion as their primary source of food but have been found in feces, rotting vegetable materials, and garbage. [6] These larvae only feed on the surface of their food instead of burrowing in like other larvae in the same order. It has also been found that the larvae of S. nudiseta are very large and predacious. They are known to devour the larvae of Chrysomya Rufifacies , commonly known as the hairy maggot blow fly. [6]

Life cycle

The S. nudiseta flies are one of the first to arrive on the source of their food and lay their eggs, which are about 1.3 mm long. [10] The larvae however, develop more slowly when compared to the larvae of the flies that arrive with S. nudiseta. Pupatation occurs even later with the larvae of the later arriving fly species. [6]

The life cycle of S. nudiseta from egg to adult lasts anywhere between 22–30 days and includes 3 instars. The species survives best in room temperature and warm environments, the optimal range for survival is anywhere from 25-31 degrees Celsius. S. nudiseta can introduce from four to nine generations per year. The higher the temperature is the larger the generation number will be. [11]

The entire larval stage for S. nudiseta lasts for approximately 13–15 days. [10] [12] Through research and experimentation, it has been found that the developmental period for the first instar is about 24 hours, the period is greater for the second instar, approximately 48 hours and the third instar has the longest developmental period at 230 hours. [5]

The first instar of the larval stage is between 1.5–3 mm long. These larvae have been found to have a very high mortality rate when compared to other larvae at this stage of development. There is only approximately a 65% survival rate after this instar. At the second instar, the larvae are 3–7 mm long and have a very high level of viability. During the third instar level, the larvae are 7-19.5 mm. This level is broken down into two stages. The first stage is when the larvae continue to feed and collect nutrients needed during pupation. The second stage of development is when the third instar larvae begin the search for a suitable place to pupate where it can begin the pre-pupal stage. [5] [10]

During the pre-pupal stage, the larvae begin to excrete a silk-like white liquid from their salivary glands which solidifies into a sort of scleritized protective film from which the puparium will form. [5] The puparium is 7–8 mm in length and a brown-red color. The puparium is covered by a dirty white cocoon. [10] [13]

Pupation occurs relatively close to the food source of the S. nudiseta larvae because they tend to not typically migrate very far. S. nudiseta larvae are one of the few species that can successfully pupate in a confined location. Besides the encasing cocoon, the outside environment is also helpful to the protection of this puparium since dust and soil particles have been found coating the outside surface. [6]

Distribution

Synthesiomyia nudiseta is found in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States it is mainly collected from California to Texas and from North Carolina to Florida. Adult flies prefer direct sunlight and can usually be found outdoors. [6] In Europe it is an introduced species and has only been recorded in Portugal, Spain and Italy. [1]

Forensic importance

Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a species that is found to be quite necrophilous. Like other Muscidae species, it prefers to surround itself in a wide range from garbage to human and animal remains. S. nudiseta will pupate slowly and in a restricted environment, and prefer not to migrate far away from the resource. Therefore, in stages of decomposition of forensic importance it is essential to verify all areas in close proximity to the corpse. Pupa have typically been found in victims’ clothing in places such as the elastic waistbands of pants, the inner surfaces of the victim’s clothing, and even in the space in between the body and the ground. In the life cycle during stages of decomposition, S. nudiseta will be inclined to pupate with other species of flies when they arrive later in different waves. Depending on where S. nudiseta happens to be located geographically can affect how delayed the fly will take to pupate. For instance, in Hawaii, S. nudiseta is apt to feed on carrion as a food source and pupation invades similar to the flesh fly genus Sarcophaga, which is the second general decomposition wave. [6]

Related Research Articles

Calliphoridae Family of insects in the Diptera order

The Calliphoridae are a family of insects in the order Diptera, with 1,200 known species. The maggot larvae, often used as fishing bait, are known as gentles. The family is known to be polyphyletic, but much remains disputed regarding proper treatment of the constituent taxa, some of which are occasionally accorded family status.

Histeridae Family of beetles

Histeridae is a family of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or Hister beetles. This very diverse group of beetles contains 3,900 species found worldwide. They can be easily identified by their shortened elytra that leaves two of the seven tergites exposed, and their geniculate (elbowed) antennae with clubbed ends. These predatory feeders are most active at night and will fake death if they feel threatened. This family of beetles will occupy almost any kind of niche throughout the world. Hister beetles have proved useful during forensic investigations to help in time of death estimation. Also, certain species are used in the control of livestock pests that infest dung and to control houseflies. Because they are predacious and will even eat other Hister beetles, they must be isolated when collected.

Phoridae Family of flies

The Phoridae are a family of small, hump-backed flies resembling fruit flies. Phorid flies can often be identified by their escape habit of running rapidly across a surface rather than taking to the wing. This behaviour is a source of one of their alternate names, scuttle fly. Another vernacular name, coffin fly, refers to Conicera tibialis. About 4,000 species are known in 230 genera. The most well-known species is cosmopolitan Megaselia scalaris. At 0.4 mm in length, the world's smallest fly is the phorid Euryplatea nanaknihali.

Muscidae Family of flies

Muscidae are a family of flies found in the superfamily Muscoidea.

<i>Cynomya mortuorum</i> Species of fly

Cynomya mortuorum belongs to the order Diptera, sometimes referred to as "true flies". In English, the only common name occasionally used is "fly of the dead". It has a bluish-green appearance, similar to other Calliphoridae and is found in multiple geographic locations with a preference for colder regions. Belonging to the family Calliphoridae, it has been shown to have forensically relevant implications due to its appearance on carrion. Current research is being done to determine C. mortuorum's level of importance and usage within forensic entomology.

<i>Chrysomya</i> Genus of flies

Chrysomya is an Old World blow fly genus of the family Calliphoridae. The genus Chrysomya contains a number of species including Chrysomya rufifacies and Chrysomya megacephala. The term “Old World blow fly” is a derivative of both the associated family, Calliphoridae, and the belief that the genus Chrysomya originated in Asia and migrated to North America only relatively recently. Chrysomya’s primary importance to the field of medico-criminal forensic entomology is due to the genus’ reliable life cycle, allowing investigators to accurately develop a postmortem interval. Chrysomya adults are typically metallic colored with thick setae on the meron and plumose arista. The name comes from the word chrysos, meaning “golden” in reference to the metallic sheen of the genus’ species, and -mya, a derivation from the word myia, meaning “fly”.

<i>Chrysomya rufifacies</i> Species of fly

Chrysomya rufifacies is a species belonging to the blow fly family, Calliphoridae, and is most significant in the field of forensic entomology due to its use in establishing or altering post mortem intervals. The common name for the species is the hairy maggot blow fly, and it belongs to the genus Chrysomya, which is commonly referred to as the Old World screwworms. This genus includes other species such as Chrysomya putoria and Chrysomya bezziana, which are agents of myiasis. C. rufifacies prefers very warm weather and has a relatively short lifecycle. It is widely distributed geographically and prefers to colonize large carcasses over small ones. The species commonly has a greenish metallic appearance and is important medically, economically, and forensically.

In forensic entomology, entomotoxicology is the analysis of toxins in arthropods that feed on carrion. Using arthropods in a corpse or at a crime scene, investigators can determine whether toxins were present in a body at the time of death. This technique is a major advance in forensics; previously, such determinations were impossible in the case of severely decomposed bodies devoid of intoxicated tissue and bodily fluids. Ongoing research into the effects of toxins on arthropod development has also allowed better estimations of postmortem intervals.

<i>Pollenia rudis</i> Species of fly

Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a species of fly in the family Polleniidae. Pollenia rudis is also known as the attic fly, the loft fly, pollenie du lombric [French], and the buckwheat fly. During the autumn and winter months, Pollenia rudis can be found overwintering inside attics or lofts. This sluggish species can be found “clustering” near the interior windows of a warm structure.

<i>Sarcophaga bullata</i> Species of fly

Sarcophaga bullata, or the grey flesh fly, is a species of fly belonging to the family Sarcophagidae. It varies in size from small to large, 8 to 17 millimeters in length and is very similar in appearance and behavior to a closely related species, Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis. S. bullata is a common scavenger species in the Eastern United States, but is found throughout the Nearctic region. Identification down to the species level in the family Sarcophagidae is notably difficult and relies primarily on the male genitalia. Though limited information is available regarding S. bullata, it has gained increasing recognition in the field of forensic entomology as a forensically-relevant fly species, as it may be among the first species to colonize human remains. In these instances, recovered maggots may be analyzed for post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations, which may be used as evidence in courts of law. Current studies regarding S. bullata have revealed a maternal effect operating in these flies that prevents pupal diapause under certain environmental conditions, which is an important factor to be considered during forensic analyses.

Compsomyiops callipes, previously known as Paraluclia wheeleri, is a member of the blowfly family Calliphoridae. It is a warm weather fly that can be found in southwestern parts of the United States and parts of South America. This species can be identified by its chaeotaxy, metallic blue color, club-shaped palp, and brown calypters.

<i>Cynomya cadaverina</i> Species of fly

Cynomya cadaverina, also known as the shiny blue bottle fly, is a member of the family Calliphoridae, which includes blow flies as well as bottle flies. In recent years, this family has become a forensically important facet in many medicocriminal investigations in the growing field of forensic entomology. C. cadaverina is specifically important in determining a post-mortem interval, as well as other important factors.

<i>Hydrotaea</i> Genus of flies

Hydrotaea is a genus of insects in the housefly family, Muscidae. They occur in most regions of the world but are more populous in warmer climates. They are often found on feces in summer months, and are therefore generally found in close proximity to livestock. Among the 130 known species in this genus, one of the most commonly recognized is the dump fly.

<i>Muscina</i> Genus of flies

Muscina is a genus of flies that belongs to the family Muscidae, currently consisting of 27 species. They are worldwide in distribution and are frequently found in livestock facilities and outside restrooms. The most common species are M. stabulans, M. levida, and M. prolapsa. Muscina flies commonly breed in manure and defecate on food, which has been linked to the spread of some disease and illnesses. The occurrence of Muscina larvae on dead bodies has led to their regular use in forensic investigations, as they may be used to estimate the time of death. Research have shown the prevalence of certain species of Muscina flies as vectors of diseases such as poliomyelitis.

<i>Lucilia mexicana</i> Species of insect

Lucilia mexicana is a species of blow fly of the family Calliphoridae, one of many species known as a green bottle fly. Its habitat range extends from southwestern North America to Brazil. L. mexicana is typically 6–9 mm in length with metallic blue-green coloring. This species is very similar in appearance to L. coeruleiviridis, the primary difference being that L. mexicana has two or more complete rows of post-ocular setae. L. mexicana has the potential to be forensically important in the stored-products and medicocriminal fields, but more research is needed for the fly to be used as evidence in criminal investigations.

<i>Calliphora livida</i>

Calliphora livida is a member of the family Calliphoridae, the blow flies. This large family includes the genus Calliphora, the "blue bottle flies". This genus is important in the field of forensic entomology because of its value in post-mortem interval estimation.

<i>Lucilia coeruleiviridis</i> Species of fly

Lucilia coeruleiviridis, formerly Phaenecia coeruleiviridis, is commonly known as a green bottle fly, because of its metallic blue-green thorax and abdomen. L. coeruleiviridis was first discovered by French entomologist Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart in 1855. It belongs to the family Calliphoridae and is one of many forensically important Diptera, as it is often found on decaying substances. L. coeruleiviridis is one of the most ubiquitous blow fly species in the southeastern United States, particularly in the spring and fall months.

<i>Protophormia terraenovae</i> Species of fly

Protophormia terraenovae is commonly called northern blowfly, blue-bottle fly or blue-assed fly. It is distinguished by its deep blue coloration and large size and is an important species throughout the northern hemisphere. This fly is notable for its economic effect as a myiasis pest of livestock and its antibiotic benefits in maggot therapy. Also of interest is P. terraenovae’s importance in forensic investigations: because of their temperature-dependent development and their prominent presence on corpses, the larvae of this species are useful in minimum post-mortem interval (mPMI) determination.

Calliphora loewi is part of the family Calliphoridae, bottle flies and blowflies, and in the genus Calliphora, blue bottle flies. The genus can be deceiving since C. loewi is not blue. Though this species is rare, it can play an important part in forensic entomology, spreading disease, and decomposing carrion. The life cycle of C. loewi is similar to the life cycle of the genus Calliphora. Since this species is rare there has not been very much research done with this species.

<i>Cochliomyia macellaria</i> Species of fly

Cochliomyia macellaria, also known as the secondary screwworm, is a species of blow fly in the family Calliphoridae. These screwworms are referred to as "secondary" because they typically infest wounds after invasion by primary myiasis-causing flies. While blow flies may be found in every terrestrial habitat, C. macellaria is primarily found in the United States, American tropics, and sometimes southern Canada. They are most common in the southeastern United States in states like Florida. C. macellaria have a metallic greenish-blue thorax and a red-orange head and eyes. These adult blowflies range from 5–8 mm in size.

References

  1. 1 2 Gregor, F.; Rozkosny, R.; Bartak, M.; Vanhara, J. (2002). The Muscidae (Diptera) of Central Europe. Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Masarykianae Brunensis. 107. Masaryk.: Masaryk University. pp. 280pp.
  2. ↑ Schowalter, Timothy D. Insect Ecology. New York: Elsevier Inc., 2006.
  3. ↑ Kruger, R. F., et al. Survival and reproduction of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae). Iheringia. Serie Zoologia. 98 (2008): 1, 45-49. 22 March 2009
  4. ↑ “Synthesiomyia nudiseta.” 2009 <http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/S/Synthesiomyia_nudiseta/.>
  5. 1 2 3 4 Kruger, R. F., et al. Development of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae) in laboratory. Iheringia. Serie Zoologia. 92 (2002): 4, 25-30. 22 March 2009
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Byrd, Jason H., and James L. Castner. Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2001
  7. ↑ Brundage, Adrienne. Lecture. Muscidae. College Station. 2 Mar. 2009.
  8. ↑ Greenberg, Bernard, and John C. Kunich. Entomology and the Law. University of Cambridge. 2002.
  9. ↑ "FAMILY: Muscidae (House flies, Stable flies)." Harvard Entomology. 10 March. 2009
  10. 1 2 3 4 Skidmore, Peter. The Biology of the Muscidae of the World. Dordrecht: Dr W. Junk Publishers, 1985.
  11. ↑ Almeida, J. R. "Application of deterministic model of isothermals for population dynamics of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae)." Brazilian Journal of Biology 61 (2001): 141-45. 22 March 2009.
  12. ↑ Rabinovich, Jorge E. Vital Statistics of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera: Muscidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 63 (1970): 3, 749-752(4). 22 March 2009.
  13. ↑ Calderon-Arguedas, Olger, et al. Larval forms Synthesiomyia nudiseta as a post-mortem interval. Parasitologia Latinoamericana 60 (2005): 3/4, 138-143. 22 March 2009
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