Faunistic survey and diversity analysis of Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera) in Campo de Santana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Abstract

Calliphoridae are known for their role in nutrient cycling and forensic entomology, as well as transmitting pathogens and causing myiasis. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of Calliphoridae in Campo de Santana, Rio de Janeiro, and assess their response to the type and decomposition time of animal baits. Four traps baited with sardines and 4 with bovine liver at different stages of decomposition (0 h, 48 h, and 96 h) were installed at georeferenced points for 8 h. The procedure was repeated over 4 wk. Insects were stored at -5°C for preservation until taxonomic identification was performed. Statistical analyses were conducted in R Studio, and hypothesis tests were used to evaluate bait attractiveness. A total of 5,483 Calliphoridae were collected, with a predominance of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius; 1794), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann; 1818), and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann; 1819), and a lower abundance of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius; 1805) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann; 1830). Sardine bait at all decomposition intervals showed greater attractiveness compared to bovine liver bait. Sardine bait with 96 h attracted the highest abundance of insects, whereas fresh bait was not attractive. For bovine liver, decomposition time did not significantly influence attractiveness, with 48 and 96 h intervals being equally effective. This study enhances knowledge about the population dynamics of Calliphoridae in Campo de Santana, an important urban park in the city center of Rio de Janeiro. It highlights the predominance of exotic species and the presence of C. hominivorax, known for causing myiasis in the Neotropical region.