Common Green Bottle Fly - Forensic Importance

Forensic Importance

L. sericata is an important species to forensic entomologists. Like most Calliphorids, the insect has been heavily studied and its life cycle and habits are well documented. Accordingly the stage of the insect's development on a corpse is used to calculate a minimum period of colonization, so that it can used to aid in determining the time of death of the victim. The presence or absence of L. sericata can show a lot about the conditions of the corpse. If the insects seem to be on the path of their normal development, it is likely that the corpse has been undisturbed. If however, the insect shows signs of a disturbed life cycle, or is absent from a decaying body, this suggests post-mortem tampering with the body. Because L. sericata is one of the first insects to colonize a corpse, it is preferred to many other species in determining an approximate time of colonization. Developmental progress is determined with relative accuracy by measuring the length and weight of larval life cycles.