DNA-based identification and molecular systematics of forensically important sarcophagidae (diptera)

Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic i ndicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficu lt or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in ma ny instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. We developed a database o f mitochondrial DNA sequence data that makes it possible to identify all sa rcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the USA. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair regio n of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyze d, including some of no forensic importance that were included for purposes of phylogenetic comparisons, were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia , Blaesoxipha, Ravinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Mu sca (Muscidae).