What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) using entomological evidence from specific fly species.

March 21, 2026Open Access

Postmortem Interval Estimation Based on the Developmental Patterns of Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) and Peckia (Euboettcheria) anguilla (Curran & Walley) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae): a Case in Southeastern Brazil

Key Points

The aim is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) using entomological evidence from specific fly species.
Collected entomological evidence from a decaying corpse.
Identified and reared Hemilucilia segmentaria and Peckia anguilla from the corpse.
Analyzed developmental patterns of the flies to estimate PMI.
Reliable PMI estimates were obtained through the fly life stages observed.
First report of Peckia anguilla rearing on a decaying corpse was documented.
Findings contribute to the field of forensic entomology.

Abstract

Decaying corpses constitute a relevant source of food resources for a wide range of insects classified as necrophagous. Several blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) species are necrophagous and, for this reason, comprise two of the most relevant families of insects in forensics. Obtaining reliable postmortem interval (PMI) estimates based on entomological traces is of great importance in investigative processes. We present a case report of PMI estimation based on entomological evidence collected in a young woman's corpse found in a wild area from southeastern Brazil, using two Diptera species: Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius) (Calliphoridae) and Peckia (Euboettcheria) anguilla (Curran & Walley) (Sarcophagidae). Additionally, we report for the first time P. (E.) anguilla rearing in a decaying corpse.

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