Lucilia Mexicana - Current Research

Current Research

A recent study investigated the Calliphoridae population present on pig carcasses in three different Texas cities during the summer months. Results showed that in two consecutive years, there was a considerable difference in the abundance of L. mexicana found in the three cities of Junction, Guadalupe, and Lubbock from one year to the next. Therefore, L. mexicana, among other calliphorids, can fluctuate in abundance at different individual locations over successive years. This is critical for forensic entomologists to consider when investigating evidence involving Calliphoridae.

Further research with DNA analysis of Lucilia sp. would clarify discrepancies between morphological and molecular similarities. Also, future research on degree days and hours for L. mexicana would benefit investigations involving post mortem intervals.