Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2025

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Release Option

Open Access

Faculty Mentor

Edward Mondor

Abstract

Medicolegal forensic entomology uses insect colonization of remains to estimate minimum post-mortem intervals (mPMI). Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the earliest colonizers, yet their nocturnal activity remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether blow flies are active at night and whether artificial light influences their behavior. Using baited bottle traps in both artificially lit and unlit environments near Georgia Southern University, flies were collected over two trials in fall 2024. Of the 1,843 blow flies collected, only six were captured at night (0.003%), suggesting minimal nocturnal activity. Lucilia coeruleiviridis preferred unlit environments. In contrast, Cochliomyia macellaria was more frequent in lighted areas. Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies showed no clear environmental preference. While the hypothesis that blow flies are completely inactive at night was not fully supported, the low number captured suggests nocturnal activity is rare and unlikely to significantly alter mPMI estimates. These findings highlight the importance of understanding species-specific and environmental influences on blow fly behavior, particularly under field conditions.

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