Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a muscoid species that is widespread throughout the world and acts as a mechanical vector of different enteropathogens primarily in underdeveloped countries. The adult and its immature forms are associated with decaying organic matter and can be seen visiting human corpses and animal carcass, and the larvae can also cause an infestation on human and animal wounds, feeding on the tissues. These characteristics make them have a forensic significance and, mainly, a great sanitary importance. This study aimed to analyze and describe morphological aspects of their immature stages of M. domestica, including the eggs, the first-, second-, and third-instar larvae, and the puparium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The eggs have standard format that all muscoid flies shared. The exochorion has some modified cells that were used for embryonic respiration. The first-instar larvae present two openings on the posterior spiracle as in the second-instar larvae, but with the last one, we can observe the anterior spiracle structure. The third-instar larvae, as in some other Muscidae species, have a posterior spiracular opening with a sinuous form that is located near the edge of the spiracular plate. The puparium morphology is equal to the third instar with a respiratory structure that helps the breathing during the metamorphosis process. This article supports the need for knowledge over the morphological characteristics of the immature forms of the muscoid Diptera (Linnaeus, 1758) at the same time helping with the correct identification of this insect phase.

Context: The blowfly Chrysomya putoria is widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region and, besides transmitting pathogens; they could cause secondary myiasis. Botanical insecticides provide an alternative to synthetic pesticides because the excessive use of synthetic insecticides resulted in a progressive resistance of the pests to these chemicals, diminishing their effectiveness and generating consequences with negative environmental impact. The essential oil extracted from Ocimum sanctum (basil) has showed insecticidal activity against some insects but has no reported studies on the activity of this plant against flies. Aims: To evaluate the insecticidal effects of Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis Gomes essential oil on the post embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria. Methods: The colonies of Chrysomya putoria were established and maintained at the Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The basil essential oil was tested in six concentrations (4.13, 8.25, 20.63, 41.25, 61.87 and 80,25 mg/mL). Mortality and changes in life cycle were recorded daily. Results: β-caryophyllene, β-selinene and eugenol, were the main constituents of the basil essential oil. The experiments demonstrated that in all concentrations tested, this essential oil shortening the duration of all post embryonic stages having a direct impact in the viability of this fly estimating the LC50 in 7.47 mg/mL of concentration. In addition, the essential oil caused morphological alterations in abdomen, wings and ptilinum at lower concentrations. Conclusions: This essential oil emerge as a good option for the control of the disease vector blowfly Chrysomya putoria.

Essential oils have been considered as an important alternative facing synthetic pesticides. The control of the species Musca domestica is very important for public health due to their role as vector associated with Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella and Shigella, among other pathogens. The objective of this work was to evaluate the larvicidal and insecticidal efficacy of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis, in the control of Musca domestica and its effect on the post-embryonic development of this species. The essential oil was applied topically in six concentrations to newly hatched larvae (1μL / larva). Mortality, interval length of each development period, as well as the weight of mature larvae were analyzed. An insecticidal bioassay was also carried out in adult flies. The essential oil of O. sanctum caused a slight reduction in the larval and pupal period for some of the concentrations evaluated. The time of development of the newly hatched larvae until the adult period was shortened in all the concentrations analyzed. The larvae of the control group were the heaviest. The effectiveness of the product in the control of the larvae of the flies of the species M. domestica was greater than 50%, except for those larvae treated with 80.25 mg/mL of the essential oil. The lethal concentration for adult insects LC50 was estimated at 9.41μg. Results demonstrated that the essential oil of O. sanctum has effect in all stages of the life cycle of M. domestica, extolling its potential as an effective insecticide against this species.

With more than 125,000 described species, Diptera are considered a megadiverse order. However, immatures display great morphological homogeneity, making few species of Diptera from the Cyclorrhaphan group easy to identify. The main species of medical, sanitary, and forensic importance are found in this group, highlighting the relevance of their description. The uniformity of the group limits sensitive techniques for identifying immatures; therefore, this study reports characters that can be used to identify these insects using scanning electron microscopy. Based on an investigation and analysis of the relevant scientific literature, we suggest combining techniques for accurate morphological identifications of flies.

Diptera plays a pivotal role in forensic investigations, particularly in estimating the post-mortem interval. This can be achieved by analyzing the succession patterns of species on decomposing bodies, which requires detailed knowledge of the local fauna. In rural areas of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, forensic entomological succession remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological succession of adult and immature dipterans on decomposing pig carcasses in rural areas of Seropédica municipality during dry and rainy seasons, through the threshold indicator taxa analysis (TITAN). For adult dipterans during the rainy season, we identified 25 ‘Z-’ taxa, with change points (cp) between days 4 and 14, while one ‘Z+’ taxon showed a cp at day 16. During the dry season, 22 ‘Z-’ taxa exhibited cp between days 4 and 1, and one ‘Z+’ taxon was identified on day 13. Among immature dipterans, we identified 3 ‘Z-’ taxa with cp between days 9 and 16, while 2 ‘Z+’ taxa showed cp. at days 5 and 21.5. Our findings provide valuable insights for forensic professionals by offering continuous ecological change point analysis, which help address the challenges of interpreting heterogeneous decomposition stages, which are often difficult to delineate in forensic casework.

Context: The synthetic insecticides used to control Diptera are harmful to the environment and humans. Extracts and compounds from plants are a more sustainable source for the development of bio-insecticides. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Persea americana Mill seeds as an alternative control of the species Musca domestica. Methods: The extracts were obtained by two methods, the Shaker (S) and the Soxhlet extraction (SE) method, using 94% ethanol as the solvent. Also, the qualitative chemical composition was determined by phytochemical screening. The effect of the two extracts on the post-embryonic development of the fly as well as the adulticidal effect was evaluated. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of metabolites such as alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, sugars and amino acids. The influence on the post-embryonic development of M. domestica was demonstrated, especially on the viability of larvae and neolarvae to adults; however, the effect on the weight and duration of each period was low. The adulticidal effects of the extracts were determined by the lethal concentration 50(LC50) of 2.910 mg/100 mL and 3.944 mg/100 mL for the S and SE extracts, respectively. Conclusions: Both extracts showed their insecticidal effects against Musca domestica, but the extract elaborated by S method showed greater influence diminishing viability and better adulticidal effect.