Diversity, Seasonality and Abundance of Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in University of Tripoli with Notes on Other Families

Abstract

The blowflies (Calliphoridae) have both negative and positive importance. They can act as vectors for many pathogens. On the other hand, they can play a major role in environment as decomposers. In addition, they are important in forensic investigations to determine the post mortem intervals. Libyan blowflies obtained little attention and were only mentioned in old references. This study aims to determine the diversity of forensically important blowflies and their monthly abundance at the University of Tripoli, Libya during the period from January 2016 to February 2017. Five baited traps (Sardine fish) were used to achieve the study aim. The most abundant families of Diptera were Muscidae, Chloropidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. Six calliphorid species were recorded in this study: Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia cuprina, Calliphora vicina and Pollenia sp, but the most abundant species was Ch. megacephala. All calliphorid species show similar seasonal trend with high abundances in moderate and cold months while no individuals were captured during the months of July and August. Three new records were added to Libyan insect fauna; two of them belong to the family Calliphoridae: Lucilia cuprina, Pollenia sp. while the third; Zaprionus indianus, belongs to the family Drosophilidae.