Description of immature stages of the flesh fly Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) provides better resolution for taxonomy and forensics

Abstract

The necrophagous and saprophagous flesh fly Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens and other flesh flies are similar to one another in general external morphology. Owing to these similarities, larvae are often misidentified, which cause errors in forensic analysis. Here, to resolve these potential problems, we describe immature stages of Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens using scanning and optical microscopy, in which we emphasize conspicuous characters for possible identification. The dorsal bridge reaches the parastomal bars in first instar larvae (in contrast with some other flesh flies). Additionally, in other larval stages, mouthhook shape, pseudocephalon, distribution of spines and the anal segment may be important characters to identify species. Figures are also included for characters clarification.