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A checklist of Diptera collected in the Caña de Azúcar morgue of Aragua, Venezuela

Abstract:

Background: Venezuela has experienced soaring rates of violent crime, in particular, homicides. The Aragua state with 142 to 168 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants has the highest homicide rate in the last 5 years. All these cases are transferred to the estate morgue. Entomological evidence on cadavers has been used as a tool to clarify the death causes. Due to this, we analyzed the occurrence of forensically important dipteran species on facilities of the Caña de Azúcar morgue in Aragua, Venezuela. Findings: A total of 692 adult insects belonging to five species of Calliphoridae and Muscidae were collected at the Caña de Azúcar morgue premises (body holding area and autopsy room). Chrysomya megacephala and Musca domestica were the most frequent species in the morgue areas. Other species with forensic importance were also found: Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya albiceps, and Ophyra aenescens. Conclusions: The results could be used as additional sources of information in Venezuelan criminal investigations.