Bull 381 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. (2024) 18 (2): 381-394. https://doi.org/10.26842/binhm.7.2024.18.2.0381 ORIGINAL ARTICLE MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BLOWFLY MAGGOTS (DIPTERA, CALLIPHORIDAE) FROM THE MIDDLE OF IRAQ Zainab Abdulameer Abass and Hayder Badri Ali* Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. *Corresponding author E-mail: hayder.badri@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq Received: 07 June 2024, Revised:19 Sep.2024, Accepted:25 Sep. 2024, Published:20 December 2024 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ABSTRACT This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of seven calliphorid species of third- instar larvae that were collected from central Iraq. The purpose was to morphologically characterize these species and develop an identification key to differentiate them from closely related species. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) graphical images and high-resolution traditional optical microscopes were used to analyze the morphological characteristics of the species Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann, 1819), Ch. rufifacies (Macquart, 1844), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and L. sericata (Meigen, 1826). An identification key was constructed based on the observed morphological differences to enable accurate species separation. The constructed identification key provided a reliable method for species separation based on their morphological features. This study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive morphological characterization of the larvae of these blowfly species which are distributed in central Iraq. The developed identification key offers a valuable tool for future research and forensic investigations involving these species, enabling accurate species identification and differentiation. Keywords: Calliphoridae, Cephalopharyngeal, Identification key, Larvae, SEM. INTRODUCTION Blowfly larvae, commonly known as maggots, hold significant ecological and forensic importance. These larvae are highly efficient decomposers, feeding on decomposing organic material, including animal carcasses. They play a crucial role in the decomposition Process, breaking down organic matter and facilitating the recycling of nutrients back into the environment. Additionally, blow fly larvae are essential in the field of forensic entomology, where they are used to estimate the postmortem interval in criminal investigations (Higley and Haskell, 2001). BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Iraq Natural History Research Center & Museum, University of Baghdad https://jnhm.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/BINHM/Home Copyright © Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum Online ISSN: 2311-9799-Print ISSN: 1017-8678 https://doi.org/10.26842/binhm.7.2024.18.2.0381 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4842-151X mailto:hayder.badri@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://jnhm.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/BINHM/Home 382 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool widely used in entomology to study insects. Unlike traditional light microscopy, SEM provides detailed information and allows for species-level identification. It offers higher resolution and Captures fine details that may be difficult to observe with light microscopes (Jalil, and Ali, 2019; Martín-Viveros and Ollá, 2020; Li et al., 2021; Al-Sudani and Al-Amery, 2024). The third instar larvae or maggots of calliphorid species exhibit variations in their structure and appearance. Before transforming into pre-pupae, these larvae grow to a size between 15 mm and 20 mm. The body is vermiform, tapered at the anterior end and blunt at the posterior end. The anterior spiracles, located laterally at the distal end of the prothorax, display a varying number of papillae among species. The cephalopharyngeal skeleton is heavily pigmented, and an accessory sclerite is present beneath the hook part of the larva, which is absent in the second instar (Ahmad et al., 2010). Sukontason et al. (2004) examined four Calliphoridae species, highlighting features such as anterior spiracles, dorsal spines, and posterior spiracles, confirming that these comparisons could aid forensic practitioners in distinguishing third instars. While, Shaheen et al. (2005) identified key characteristics of Lucilia sericata species using a scanning electron microscope including, detailed spine distribution, papillae without hairs in abdominal segments, papillae on caudal segment surfaces, and tubercle between respiratory discs. In Iraq, several studies have explored the abundance of species within this family and their distribution (Mawlood and Abdul-Rassoul, 2011; Augul et al., 2013, 2022; Augul and Al- Saffar, 2015; Al-Saffar and Augul, 2023). This study aims to analyze morphological characteristics of caliphorid insects using SEM images, focusing on third instar larvae, and to develop a key for their identification based on shape characteristics. The study's implications are important for forensic entomology and related fields, as it includes new and accurate morphological characteristics in the taxonomic key. MATERIALS AND METHODS Specimens' collection: This study aimed to investigate Challiphoridae specimens collected from different locations in Iraq. The specimens were collected From Kadhimiya, Baghdad; Haii Al Bisatin, Karbala; and Samarra, Saladin Province. A total of 200 specimens were collected from Chicken, Dog, and Cat carcasses as well as from the liver and lungs of sheep between October 2022 and September 2023. After killing, the maggots were thoroughly washed (4-5 times) before being preserved in 70% alcohol, as described by Knipling (1939). Identification of maggots: The maggots were identified by using keys from many references (Zumpt, 1965; Erzinçlioğlu, 1987a; Liu and Greenberg, 1989; Queiroz et al., 1997; Wells et al., 1999; Sukontason et al., 2008). 383 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Sampling procedure and specimen’s preparation: The sampling procedure involved using sheep liver as bait, following the method described by Kavitha et al. (2013). Collection sites were selected based on their geographical distribution and availability of calliphorid populations. The collected specimens were stored in ethanol tubes at room temperature until further processing. The total number of specimens collected from each location ranged from (200-220). However, only 25 specimens were randomly selected and examined from each location for this study. The specimens used in the study were from the third larval instar. This was chosen to ensure that all Samples were at a comparable stage of development. Terminology: The terminology used in this study was based on Zumpt (1965). This reference was used to ensure consistency and accuracy in the identification and description of the third- instar calliphorid maggots. Specimen preparation for scanning electron microscopy (SEM): To prepare the specimens for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the larvae were killed by immersing them in hot water for ten minutes. Afterward, they were washed 2-5 times in alcohol to remove any external debris or contaminants. Dehydration of the specimens was achieved by exposing them to open air for five minutes. This step designed to remove any remaining moisture from the specimens before SEM analysis. To facilitate SEM analysis, the specimens were mounted on a metal plate for support. They were then coated with a 20-30 nm layer of gold. The gold coating improved conductivity and enhanced the quality of the images obtained during SEM analysis (Murtey and Ramasamy, 2016). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Analysis: After an overnight wash in distilled water, the specimens were dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol. The dehydrated specimens were critically point- dried and mounted on aluminum stubs using colloidal silver paste. The mounted specimens were observed and photographed using an AXIA-CHEMISEM, Axia Chmi SEM Scanning Electron Microscope in Baghdad. Resolution and magnification capabilities were applied according to Colwell and O’Connor (2000). The specimens were examined under the SEM, and images were captured. The images were then transferred to a computer for further analysis and documentation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this study, a comparative analysis was conducted on seven species of third- instar Calliphorid maggots found in central of Iraq. The species included in the study were Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann, 1819), Ch. rufifacies (Macquart, 1844), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and L. sericata (Meigen, 1826). The objective of the study was to morphologically characterize these species and construct an identification key to differentiate between them based on their morphological characteristics. This study presents a key for the identification of third- instar larvae which is the first to cover the forensically most important species of blowflies in Iraq. The list of taxa included seven species of confirmed forensic relevance, the species included in the study were 384 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann, 1819), Ch. rufifacies (Macquart, 1844), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and L. sericata (Meigen, 1826). Most of them are widespread in many adjacent countries and were frequently reported on large animal carrion and human corpses (Akbarzadeh et al., 2015). Taxonomically significant characters were in the form of images produced using digital cameras mounted on a compound microscope, stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Many Taxonomic keys depend on morphological characteristics studied through the compound microscope (Zumpt, 1965; Erzinçlioğlu, 1987b; Holloway, 1991; Fan et al., 1997; Wells et al., 1999; Szpila, 2009; Prado et al., 2023; Szpila et al., 2024); these features include cephalopharyngeal skeleton, spinnulation, abdominal segments, anterior spiral lobe, and size due to peritreme. Additional traits, such as periodic external whorls, veins in anal segmental plates, and the presence of other distinguishing features were also considered. However, this study enhanced the taxonomic key special characteristics through scanning electron microscope such as: apical spines of dorsomedial processes in both species Chrysomya albiceps, Ch. rufifacies, the shape and distribution of spinose bands on segments, such as in species Calliphora vomitoria, C. vicina, Lucilia cuprina and L. sericata and the presence or absence of inner projection in the peritremal ring of posterior spiracles as observed in both species Lucilia cuprina and L. sericata. Based on the analysis of the SEM images and morphological characteristics, the following results were obtained: 1- Chrysomya albiceps: This species exhibited a posterior spiral shape similar to C. vomitoria and C. vicina, with a unique surface texture, spinnulation on abdominal segments (Pl. 1A), and unique peritreme size. 2- Ch. rufifacies: The larvae of this species had a unique posterior spiral shape, rough surface, spinnulation (Pl. 1B), cephalopharyngeal skeleton (Pl. 2E), and a distinctive size due to peritreme compared to other species. 3- Ch. megacephala: This species exhibited a posterior spiral shape similar to Ch. rufifacies, but with a smoother surface, no spinnulation on abdominal segments, and a distinctive cephalopharyngeal skeleton (Pl. 2F). 4- Calliphora vicina: The larvae of this species resembled C. vomitoria in posterior spiral shape and absence of spinnulation (Pl. 1C), but showed slight differences in cephalopharyngeal skeleton at their bases (Pl. 2A), direction of pocesses, and peritreme size. 5- C. vomitoria: This species exhibited a unique posterior spiral shape, smooth surface, and no spinnulation on abdominal segments (Pl. 1D). Cephalopharyngeal skeleton has a distinctive direction and size (Pl. 2B). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/scanning-electron-microscope 385 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali 6- Lucilia cuprina: The larvae of this species resembled Ch. megacephala in posterior spiral shape, surface texture, and absence of spinnulation (Pl. 1E), but had slight differences in cephalopharyngeal skeleton (Pl. 2D), direction, and size due to peritreme. 7- L. sericata: This species had a posterior spiral shape similar to L. cuprina, smoother surface, no spinnulation on abdominal segments (Pl. 1F), a characteristic cephalopharyngeal skeleton, and a unique size due to peritreme. Overall, the comparative analysis of the seven species of third instar-larvae of calliphorid species using SEM and traditional optical microscopes, revealed distinct morphological characteristics that allowed for their differentiation. The constructed identification key based on these characteristics will be valuable for future studies in forensic entomology and related fields. Further research is warranted to explore the potential applications of these findings in practical forensic investigations. Additional information on the morphology of important European blowfly species is scattered across various studies (Knipling, 1939; Zumpt 1965; Erzinçlioğlu 1985, 1987a, b, 1988, 1990; Liu and Greenberg 1989; Carvalho Queiroz et al., 1997; Wells et al., 1999; Wallman, 2001; Sukontasan et al., 2003, 2008). Although several taxonomic keys have been combined so far, none of them yet cover the full list of species (Szpila, 2009). Among these, Ishijima key (1967) is considered the most comprehensive, with the exception of C. albiceps and C. mortuorum. Schumann (1971) provided other important keys; with a notable contribution to the understanding the larval character of the genus Lucilia Robineau-Desvoidii in Europe. European, judges are included in the third condition of the third site of both Christina and Cris Mann, an outstanding series of books with keys, published by Draber - Mońko (2004) through mid-and central European-life. About the science of statistics, they looked at the data. Erzinslioglu (1985) proposed a critical study of the morphology of the third stage of Calliphoridae. Through this work, several morphological characters were identified that could be exploited for taxonomic reasons, such as cephalopharyngeal skeleton and direction of process on posterodorsal corner of their bases, spinnulation on abdominal segments, lobe of anterior spiral, and the size due to peritreme (Chrysomyinae vs others blowflies), along with the presence of many other characteristics. Currently the main criterion for identifying judgmentally important species of tertiary larvae is the identity of nearly all-important SEM images. 386 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots Key to the identity of third instar larvae for morphological evaluation: 1- Large, elongate, fleshy tubercles gift on each segment; tip of tubercles bearing several small spines (Pl. 1A, B)…………………… …..………………………………………… 2 - Abdominal segments lacking large, elongate tubercles (Pl.1C, D, E, F) …….………....... 3 2- Outermost ventral process less cylindrical, greater triangular, and topped with smaller spines; apical spines of dorsomedial processes closely aggregated (Pl. 3A), anterior spiracles with 9-10 lobes (Pl. 4A)…………………………………... Chrysomya albiceps - Outermost ventral process more cylindrical, less triangular, and crowned with larger spines; apical spines of dorsomedial processes more widely spaced (Pl. 3B), anterior spiracles with 10-11lobes (Pl. 4B) …………………………………...…..………. Chrysomya. rufifacies 3-Posterior spiracular peritreme incomplete, and more remote from each other (Pl. 5C)………… …..…………………………………………...……..Chrysomya megacephala - Posterior spiracular peritreme complete (Pl..5D, E, F)…… ……………….........................4 4-Cephalopharyngeal skeleton with an accessory oral sclerite. (Pl. 2A, B)…Calliphora ..…5 - Cephalopharyngeal skeleton usually without an accessory oral sclerite (Pl. 2C, D) ………………………………………………………………………………... Lucilia….. 6 5- Spinose bands on segments with broad, three-or four-or rarely two-pointed spines (Pl. 6B); anterior spiracle with 8 lobes…………………………………….…. Calliphora vomitoria - Spinose bands on segments with less broad, two- or rarely three-pointed spines (Pl. 6A); anterior spiracle with 9 lobes (Pl. 4C) ………………………………….. Calliphora vicina 6-Anterior spiracle with 9–10 lobes (Pl. 4F); Inner tubercles of upper margin of anal segment separated by a distance approximately equal to the distance between inner and median tubercles, peritremal ring of posterior spiracles with inner projection, spinose bands on segments with more than three-pointed spines (Pl. 5F) …………….…….. Lucilia sericata - Anterior spiracle with 7–8 lobes (Pl. 4E); Inner tubercles of upper margin of anal segment separated by a distance approximately equal to the distance between the inner and outer tubercles, peritremal ring of posterior spiracles without inner projection, spinose bands on segments with two- and three-pointed spines. (Pl. 5E) ……………….…. Lucilia cuprina 387 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Plate (1): Scanning electron micrographs of a third instar larva of (A) Chrysomya. albiceps (B)Ch. rufifacies (C) Calliphora vicina (D) Calliphora vomitoria (E) Lucilia cuprina (F) L. sericata. Plate (2): Light microscopic micrographs of cephalopharyngeal skeleton; (A) Calliphora vicina, (B) Calliphora vomitoria, (C) Lucilia sericata, (D) Lucilia cuprina, (E) Chrysomya rufifacies, (F) Ch. megacephala , (G) Ch. albiceps. 388 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots Plate (3) : Scanning electron of apical spines of dorsomedial processes; (A) Chrysomya albiceps (B) Ch. rufifacies. Plate (4): Scanning electron micrographs of anterior spiracle of a third instar larva; (A) Ch. albiceps, (B) Ch. rufifacies, (C) Calliphora vicina, (D) Ch. megacephala, (E) Lucilia cuprina, (F) L. sericata. 389 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Plate (5): Scanning electron micrographs of posterior spiracle of a third instar larva; (A) Ch. albiceps, (B) Calliphora vicina, (C) Ch. megacephala, (D) Calliphora vomitoria, (E) Lucilia cuprina, (F) L. sericata. Plate (6): Scanning electron micrographs of spinose bands of third instar larva; (A) Calliphora vicina (B) Caliiphora vomitoria (C) Chrysomya albiceps (D) Ch. megacephala (E) Ch. rufifacia (F) Lucilia sericata (G) L. cuprina. CONCLUTIONS In conclusion, this study successfully morphologically characterized seven species of third instar Calliphorid maggots found in the middle of Iraq. Through the use of SEM images and traditional optical microscopes, the distinct morphological characteristics of each species were identified and described. An identification key was constructed to differentiate between these species based on their morphological features. The findings of this study have important 390 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots implications for forensic entomology, forensic biology, and ecological studies. Future research could incorporate genetic analysis and phylogenetic studies to further enhance our understanding of these species. CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT The results of this study are part of the requirements of the Ph. D. in Zoology, Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad for the first author. LITERATURE CITED Ahmad, F., Marwi, M. S., Syamsa, M. A., Zuha, R. A., Ikhwan, R. M. and Omar, B. 2010. Morphological description of second and third instar larvae of Hypopygiopsis violacea Macquart (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a forensically important fly in Malaysia. Tropical Biomedicine, 27(1): 134-137. [Click here] Akbarzadeh, K., Wallman, J. F., Sulakova, H. and Szpila, K. 2015. Species identification of Middle Eastern blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of forensic importance. Parasitology Research, 114(4): 1463-1472. [CrossRef] Al Saffar, H. H. and Augul, R. S. 2023. Checklist of insects- borne diseases in Iraq. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 25(03): 068-106. [Click here] Al-Sudani, GH. D. and Al-Amery, A. M. A. 2024. Morphometric and scanning electron microscope-based identification of Taenia hydatigena parasites in stray dogs. Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 55(2): 691-695. [CrossRef] Augul, R. and Al-Saffar, H. 2015. Survey of Brachycera; Diptera from several regions of Iraq. Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum, 13(3): 59-69. [Click here] Augul, R., Ali, H., Al-Saffar, H. and Abdul- Rassoul, M. 2013. The population abundance of blow flies adults (Family: Calliphoridae) in some Iraqi governorate by yellow sticky traps. Al-Mustansiriyah Journal of Science, 24:1-8. [ResearchGate] Augul, R., Al-Saffar, H. and Alashbal, H. 2022. Survey and updating checklist of dipteran species with forensic importance. Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum, 17: 301-322. [CrossRef] Carvalho Queiroz, M. M., Pinto de Mello, R. and Lima, M. M. 1997. Morphological aspects of the larval instars of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera, Calliphoridae) reared in the laboratory. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 92:187-196. [CrossRef] Colwell, D. and O’ Connor, M. 2000. Scanning electron microscopy of sarcophagid (Diptera) larvae recovered from a case of human cutaneous myiasis. Journal of Medical Entomology, 37(6): 854-859. [Click here] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20562824/ https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-015-4329-y https://gsconlinepress.com/journals/gscbps/sites/default/files/GSCBPS-2023-0512.pdf https://doi.org/10.36103/p3w7aq10 https://jnhm.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/BINHM/article/view/75/60 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299879569 https://doi.org/10.26842/binhm.7.2022.17.2.0301 https://doi.org/10.1590/S0074-02761997000200010 https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/37/6/854/860094 391 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Draber -Mońko, A. 2004. Calliphoridae, Plujki (Insecta Diptera). Fauna Poloniae 23, Natura Optima Dux Fundation & MIZ PAS, Warsaw Vol. 23 (Warszawa, 2004), 662 pp. [ResearchGate] Erzinçlioğlu, Y. Z. 1985. Immature stages of British Calliphora and Cynomya, with re- evaluation of the taxonomic characters of larval Calliphoridae (Diptera). Journal of Natural History, 19:69-96. [Click here] Erzinçlioğlu, Y. Z. 1987a. The larvae of some blowflies of medical and veterinary importance. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 1:121-125. [Click here] Erzinçlioğlu, Y. Z. 1987b. The larval instars of the African blowfly, Calliphora croceipalpis Jaennicke, with a key to the genera of the third instars of African carrion-breeding Calliphoridae (Diptera). Bulletin of Entomological Research, 77:575-580. [Click here] Erzinçlioğlu, Y. Z. 1988. The larvae of species of Phormia and Boreellus: Northern, cold- adapted blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Journal of Natural History, 22:11-16. [Click here] Erzinçlioğlu, Y. Z. 1990. The larvae of two closely-related blowfly species of the genus Chrysomya (Diptera, Calliphoridae). Entomologica Fennica, 1:151-153. [Click here] Fan, Z., Zhizi, C., Jianming, F., Shensheng, Z. and Zhenliang, T. 1997. Diptera: Calliphoridae. Fauna Sinica, Insecta, Beijing: Science Press, Vol. 6, 707 pp. [In Chinese with English abstract]. Higley, L. G. and Haskell, N. H. 2001. Insect development and Forensic entomology. Forensic Entomology. The utility of arthropods in legal investigations, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 620pp. [Click here] Holloway, B. A. 1991. Identification of third-instar larvae of fly strike and carrion associated blowflies in New Zealand (Diptera: Calliphoridae). New Zealand Entomologist, 14:24- 28. [Click here] Ishijima, H. 1967. Revision of the third stage larvae of synanthropic flies of Japan (Diptera: Anthomyiidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae). Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology, 18:47-100. [Click here] Jalil, P. A. and Ali, W. K. 2019. Re-Description of the last instar larvae of Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1760) (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) depending on scanning electron microscope. Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum, 15(4): 413-424. Kavitha, R., Nazni, W. A., Tan, T. C., Lee, H. L. and Azirun, M. S. 2013. Review of forensically important entomological specimens collected from human cadavers in https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251277530 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222938500770041 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2979525/ https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222938800770021 https://journal.fi/entomolfennica/article/view/83474 https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.1201/NOE0849392153/forensic-entomology-jason-byrd-james-castner https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00779962.1991.9722608 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mez/18/2-3/18_KJ00003450964/_article 392 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots Malaysia (2005–2010). Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 20(5): 480-482. [Click here] Knipling, E. F. 1939. A key for blowfly larvae concerned in wound and cutaneous myiasis. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 32: 376-383. [Click here] Li, Q., Chen, L., Liu, M., Wang, W., Sabatelli, S., Di Giulio, A. and Audisio, P. 2021. Scanning electron microscope study of antennae and mouthparts in the pollen-beetle Meligethes (Odonthogethes) chinensis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Meligethinae). Insects, 12(7):659-672. [Click here] Liu, D. and Greenberg, B. 1989 Immature stages of some flies of forensic importance. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 82:80-93. [Click here] Martín-Viveros, J. I. and Ollé, A. 2020. Use-wear and residue mapping on experimental chert tools. A multi-scalar approach combining digital 3D, optical, and scanning electron microscopy. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 30: 102236. [CrossRef] Mawlood, N. A. and Abdul-Rassoul, M. S. 2011` A new species of Rhyncomya Rob.- desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Iraq. Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum, 11 (3): 25-33. [Click here] Murtey, M. D. and Ramasamy, P. 2016 Sample preparations for scanning electron microscopy–life sciences. In: Janecek, M. and Kral, R. (eds.), Modern electron microscopy in physical and life sciences, chapter 8. InTech Open Publisher, p.161- 181. [CrossRef] Prado, A. M., Savino, A. G. and Thyssen, P. J. 2023. Interactive key for third instar larvae of neotropical blow flies (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae): the contribution of computational tools to assist in species identification. Neotropical Entomology, 52: 373-379. [CrossRef] Queiroz, M., Mello, R. and Lima, M. 1997. Morphological Aspects of the Larval Instars of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera, Calliphoridae) Reared in the Laboratory. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 92(2): 187-196. [CrossRef] Schumann, H. 1971. Merkblatter uber angewandte Parasitenkunde und Schadlingsbekampfung. Merkblatt Nr. 18. Die Gattung Lucilia (Goldenfliegen). Angewandte parasitology, [Suppl.] 12(4):1-20. [Click here] Shaheen, M. S., Hamza, A. I., and Abdel-Rahman, S. M. 2005. Light and scanning electron microscopy of third-instar larva of lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) recovered from a case of human intestinal myiasis. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal, 51 (104): 1-11. [Click here] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X13000589 https://academic.oup.com/aesa/article/32/2/376/76020 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34357319/ https://academic.oup.com/aesa/article-abstract/82/1/80/16666 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102236 https://jnhm.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/BINHM/article/view/123 https://doi.org/10.5772/61720 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-022-00985-4 https://doi.org/10.1590/S0074-02761997000200010 http://worldcat.org/issn/00033162 https://journals.ekb.eg/article_177768.html 393 BULLETIN OF THE IRAQ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Abass and Ali Sukontason, K., Piangjai, S., Siriwattanarungsee, S. and Sukontason, K. L. 2008 Morphology and develop-mental rate of blowflies Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies in Thailand: application in forensic entomology. Parasitology Research, 102: 1207-1216. [Click here] Sukontason, K., Sukontason, K. L., Piangjai, S., Boonchu, N., Chaiwong, T. and Vogtsberger, R. C. 2003. Mouthparts of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae). Micron, 34(8): 345-350. [CrossRef] Sukontason, K., Sukontason, K. L., Piangjai, S., Boonchu, N., Chaiwong, T., Ngern-klun, R., Sripakdee, D., Vogtsberger, R. C. and Olson, J. K. 2004. Antennal sensilla of some forensically important flies in families Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae. Micron, 35(8): 671-679. [CrossRef] Szpila, K. 2009. Key for the identification of third instars of European blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of forensic importance. In: Amendt, J. Goff, C.P. Campobasso, M.L. and M. Grassberger (Eds.), Current Concepts Forensic Entomology., Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht, p. 43-56. [CrossRef] Szpila, K., Williams, K., Soszyńska, A., Ekanem, M., Heyns, M., Dinka, M. D. and Villet, M. 2024. Key for the identification of third instar larvae of African blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of forensic importance in death investigations, Forensic Science International, 354: 1-9. [CrossRef] . Wallman, J. F. 2001. Third instar larvae of common carrion-breeding blowflies of the genus Calliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in South Australia. Invertebrate Taxonomy, 15:37- 51. [Click here] Wells, J. D., Byrd, J. H. and Tantawi, T. I. 1999. Key to third-instar Chrysomyinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from carrion in the continental United States. Journal of Medical Entomology, 36(5):638-641. [Click here] Zumpt. F. 1965. Myiasis in man and animals in the old world. Butterworths: London, 267pp. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18264799/ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2003.08.003 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2004.05.005 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9684-6_3 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111889 https://www.publish.csiro.au/is/IT99024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10534962/ 394 Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 18 (2): 381-394. Morphological characterization of blowfly maggots Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. (2024) 18 (2): 381-394. ( من وسط Diptera, Calliphoridaeوصيف املظهري ليرقات الذبابة املعدني )الت العراق زينب عبد االمير عباس و حيدر بدري علي العراق.، بغداد، بغداد جامعة، كلية العلوم ،قسم علوم الحياة 20/12/2024، النشر: 25/9/2024القبول: ،19/9/2024املراجعة: ،7/6/2024االستالم: ةالخالص هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى إجراء تحليل مقارن لسبعة أنواع من يرقات الطور الثالث للذباب املعدني املوجودة في وسط العراق. كان الغرض هو توصيف هذه األنواع شكلًيا وتطوير مفتاح تعريف لتمييزها عن بعضها البعض. تم استخدام الصور الرسومية واملجاهر الضوئية التقليدية عالية الدقة لتحليل (SEM) للمجهر اإللكتروني املاسح :لألنواع املظهريةالخصائص Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Chrysomya albiceps (Widemann, 1819), Ch. rufifacies (Macquart, 1844), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and L. sericata (Meigen, 1826). لتمكين الفصل الدقيق املظهريةبناًء على االختالفات تشخيص يمفتاح تصميمتم طريقة املفتاحبين األنواع. نجحت الدراسة في وصف الطور الثالث لألنواع السبعة. يوفر . تساهم هذه الدراسة في املجال امليداني املظهرية صفاتهااألنواع بناًء على لعزل موثوقة شامل لسبعة أنواع من يرقات الذباب املعدني مظهري من خالل تقديم توصيف يوفر مفتاح التعريف املطور أداة قيمة للبحث املستقبلي .املوجودة في وسط العراق الدقيق على األنواع وتحقيقات الطب الشرعي التي تشمل هذه األنواع، مما يتيح التعرف والتمايز بينها.