The Calliphoridae are a family of insects in the order Diptera, with almost 1,900 known species.
The maggot larvae, often used as fishing bait, are known as gentles.
Blow flies, also known as Calliphoridae flies, are the first insects to colonize dead bodies.
They're crucial for determining post-mortem interval (PMI), the time since death.
Blow fly development varies due to seasonal changes, influenced by factors like humidity, temperature, rainfall, and genetics.
A study by Professor Reject Paul M.P. recorded 17 blow fly species in central Kerala, focusing on four key species: Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya chani, and Hemipyrellia ligurriens.
The study investigated how temperature and humidity affect blow fly life cycles.
It found that the pre-oviposition period was longer in winter for all species.
Larval stages were longer and heavier in monsoon for C. megacephala and C. rufifacies.
The study developed a regression equation method that's effective for estimating PMI using blow fly life history.
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