First Survey and Identification of Forensically Important Entomofauna in Makkah City

Abstract

Most of the murders are shrouded in mystery and the absence of a lot of forensic evidence that helps the authorities achieve justice and reveal the culprit. The insects present at the crime scene and their various stages remain clues and evidence that are very important in knowing and revealing the circumstances of the incident. Therefore, determining the species of insect related to forensic medicine is very important for each region separately. The present study was planned to survey of forensic insects species and its seasonal activity in Makkah governorate. The local white rabbits were used as a mammal closer to the human corpse. The work was carried out of one year from January 2007 to December 2019. During the survey, 15,757 flies of importance forensic insects were collected which represent three families: Muscidae (47.1%) ،Calliphoridae (30.0%); Sarcophagidae (22.6%), and Muscidae (47.1%). In this study, four flies species were reported for the first time in Makkah City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these were Chrysomya albiceps; Ch. marginalis; Sarcophaga dux and Wohlfahrtia bella. The appearance of the W. bella species was first recorded in Saudi Arabia. The results showed the presence of forensic insects most of the time during the year, and there were significant differences in different months of the year, and the reason for this may be due to differences in climatic conditions, temperature, and relative humidity which are considered among the most important factors affecting the reproduction and spread of the insects.