Species of Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) occurring in an Atlantic Rainforest fragment, Bahia, Brazil: new records reported

Abstract

Insects of forensic importance can be attracted to crime scenes, thus aiding in the estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI). For this, knowledge about the entomofauna of each particular region is essential, along with their life cycle, ecological and biological characteristics, and taxonomic identity. This study aimed to survey the sarcophagid flies of the genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy occurring in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. For this purpose, pig carcasses were used as bait and monitored throughout their decomposition process during both dry and rainy seasons. Seven species of Peckia were recorded: P. chrysostoma (Wiedemann), P. collusor (Curran & Walley), P. lambens (Wiedemann), P. intermutans (Walker), P. pexata (Wulp), P. anguilla (Curran & Walley), and P. tridentata (Hall). The highest occurrence of Peckia species was observed in the gaseous and initial decomposition phases (dry period), as well as advanced decomposition (rainy period). Temperature, humidity, and rainfall showed a tendency to directly influence the duration of the carcass decomposition phases.

Keywords

• atlantic rainforest
• descomposition phases
• entomofauna
• pig carcasses