Images Dated 8th January 2003

Blowfly pupa hatching, SEM

Blowfly pupa hatching. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Calliphora vicina blowfly adult emerging from its pupa. A blowfly lays its eggs on dead bodies and this behaviour is studied by forensic entomologists. Eggs generally hatch within 24 hours. A Calliphora larva (maggot) feeds on the decaying flesh for 2-3 weeks, and then lies dormant in its pupa, slowly developing into the adult winged form. The head with its compound eyes (blue) is emerging from this pupa. The adult form generally lives for a few weeks. After mating, the females lay eggs and continue the cycle. Hatching (by incubation) of pupae found by a dead body can pinpoint the time of death. Magnification unknown

© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Necrobia beetle larva, SEM

Ham beetle (Necrobia sp.) larva, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Forensic entomologists study this beetle because it feeds on dead bodies. The beetle feeds on dried meat, so it does not feed on a corpse until around 2-4 months after death when the body is beginning to dry out. This larva hatched from an egg laid by a female beetle, and the larva also feeds on the greasy meats of a decaying body. When full-grown it crawls away and spins a cocoon in which it pupates into the adult form and lies dormant over the winter. The adult form emerges in the summer. This seasonal activity can help provide evidence for the season of death. Magnification unknown

© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY