D3168: Preliminary survey of blow fly species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) across Utah

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Haylee R. Beck (she/her/hers)

Student Presenter
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah

Co-Author(s)

Lauren M. Weidner, Ph.D., D-ABFE (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor of Forensic Entomology
Arizona State University
Glendale, Arizona
Carl Hjelmen (he/him/his)

Assistant Professor
Utah Valley University
Salt Lake City, Utah

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), are important primary colonizers of animal remains that play a crucial role in decomposition, making them useful in forensic investigations for estimating a time of colonization (TOC). Unfortunately, there is little information on the species and distributions of blow flies in the mountain west, particularly in Utah. Our research seeks to address this issue through collection, preservation, and identification of these blow flies from various locations throughout the state. To collect the specimens, traps baited with various carrion sources were set up in locations across Utah, including but not limited to Salt Lake City, Orem, and Grand Gulch. This serves as preliminary data for a broader survey of these flies across the state, spanning both rural and urban environments. We use standard metrics of diversity to compare the species makeup in each location and identify the most commonly occurring species. The results of our research offer significant insights into the biodiversity, distribution, and ecological functions of these flies and their development in different ecosystems and ecoregions. In addition, this research has far-reaching implications in the field of forensics. These findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of blow fly distribution and behavior, providing valuable information for forensic investigations in our region.