Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae): Growth rates, body length differences, and implications for the minimum post-mortem interval estimation

Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy is a primary colonizing species of decomposing bodies, being predominant in the cold seasons in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin) was estimated using growth and larval length parameters as the accurate entomological evidence of the elapsed time since death. Specimens were reared at 12, 14, 16, and 18 degrees C, and the larval and pupal growth rates were determined. Differences in the developmental times were registered (43.2 days at 12 degrees C, 34.3 days at 14 degrees C, 29.1 days at 16 degrees C, and 24.3 days at 18 degrees C), with the lifespan shortened at higher temperatures, without changing the larval length range (similar to 1.5-18.0 mm). Temperature also influenced the survival and size of emerged adults; the highest percentage of survival registered at 14 (29.73%) and 16 degrees C (38.65%), and more mortality in extreme temperatures (19.00% at 12 degrees C and 12.61% at 18 degrees C). Adults reared at 12 degrees C were the largest of all, females were longer than males, and body size showed an inverse relationship with survival. These results allowed the PMI estimation based on data from local populations instead of consulting papers based on other regions.