Pluemkamon Phuwanatsarunya, Nuttanan Hongsrichan, Tarinee Chaiwong, Marutpong Panya, and Nophawan Bunchu

DOI: 10.14456/sjst-psu.2020.157

pp. 1215 - 1220

Abstract

The correct identification of fly species has a crucial role in accurately performed forensic investigations. Species
identification of fly larvae by observing only morphological characteristics is difficult and less accurate. Therefore, the objective
of this study was to develop an alternative tool for identifying fly larvae by integrating morphological characteristics and protein
expression profiles. Excretory-secretory (ES) protein profiles from third stage larvae of five fly species were evaluated to
differentiate these species, including Chrysomya megacephala, Achoetandrus rufifacies, Lucilia cuprina, Musca domestica, and
Boettcherisca nathani, based on the SDS-PAGE technique. They were also assessed for morphological characteristics. The
results showed that different protein patterns in ES products and morphological characteristics were observed among these fly
species. A novel dichotomous key for identification of fly larvae was developed by combining unique patterns of ES protein
profiles with morphological characteristics. However, studies including other fly species should be pursued.