MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FORENSICALLY IMPORTANT BLOW FLY Calliphora vicina ROBINEAU-DESVOIDY 1830 (DIPTERA CALLIPHORIDAE) IN EGYPT

A fundamental procedure for forensic entomological analysis is using molecular tools to identify the species associated with the decaying process. Among the species involved in the processes of decay, Calliphora vicina is a particularly important Calliphoridae species because its arrival and colonization of the body following death occurs in consistent timeframes. The aim of this study was to identify a newly collected C. vicina from Damietta, Egypt, using the barcoding area of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) as a general marker to distinguish forensically significant adults. DNA was extracted from ten adult C. vicina and a -760 bp region of the COI gene was amplified, visualized on a 1% agarose gel, and sequenced. The tree with the most elevated log probability is (2252.70) and a proportion of sites had at least 1 unambiguous base present in at least 1 sequence, resulting in a descendent Glade in the tree. This investigation included 55 DNA arrangements and codon positions included were 1st+2nd divided by 3rd+Noncoding. However, flies form particular monophyletic clades and the COI standardized tag has been shown to provide clear, distinguishing proof for forensic application of C. vicina in Damietta, Egypt. This research highlights the requirement for careful testing to determine all possible genetic assortments if DNA barcoding is to continue to be utilized for molecular identification.

Automated summary

Forensic entomological analysis often involves using molecular tools to identify species associated with decay processes. This study successfully used the COI gene as a marker to distinguish forensically significant C. vicina specimens from Egypt. The findings highlight the importance of rigorous testing and genetic analysis in utilizing DNA barcoding for molecular identification.