A reference database for the DNA-based identification of North American Calliphorinae.

DNA-based species identifications continue to be a robust tool for the forensic entomologist to identify immature or damaged specimens. However, much of that identification is dependent on the use of a reliable database that encompasses all species possible. Here, we queried DNA databases for DNA records of COI sequence data of 18 species of Calliphorinae present in North America to determine if the DNA-based identification is reliable, and to provide a resource for other entomologists to use, add to or build off of. Our results indicate that approximately 650bp of the standard DNA barcode is not sufficient to identify all possible species in North America using the DNA, and provide guidance on using this database in future applications