Preliminary checklist of flies associated with pig carrions decomposition in Okija, Anambra state, Nigeria

Abstract

The decomposition process of pig carrions was carried out in Okija,  Anambra State, Nigeria. The study area was located on 05o53.240N and 006o48.50E within the ambient temperature and relative humidity of 30.2 ± 0.28 oC and 68.5 ± 1.34%, respectively. Flies found on the carrions were collected, preserved in 70% ethanol and identified. The flies encountered belong to six families (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Ulidiidae, Tephritidae, Stratiomyiidae and Muscidae) and ten species (Chrysomya abiceps, Chrysomya regalis, Chrysomya chloropyga, Isomyia dubiosa, Isomyia sp., Sarcophaga inzi, Chrysomyza africana, Trirhithum sp., Hermetia illucens and Musca domestica). The successional pattern of the flies was predictable. Their activities on the carrions include consumption of the carrion tissues and using same to propagate their progeny. All the flies except the Trirhithum sp. played defined roles on the carrions and were established as flies of forensic importance, while the Trirhithum sp. was referred to as opportunistic fly of the carrion resource.

Keywords: Flies, Pig carrions, Decomposition, Forensic insects, Okija