Determining the Temperature that Maggots Experience During Myiasis

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Kristi Bugajski

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Biology

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Forensic Entomology is the use of insects in criminal investigations. A subset of forensic entomology is myiasis, which is defined as the infestation of a larva in the human body. Sarcophaga bullata (flesh fly) is a common cause of infestations in North America. Temperature data is used to estimate the age of larvae in forensic entomology, and having accurate temperature data is imperative for accurate age estimations. This research used chicken liver as a tissue substitute, and placed bait cups containing S. bullata larvae into water baths set to 37°C, to mimic human body temperature. Data loggers recorded hourly temperatures of the water bath, ambient air temperature, and within bait cups throughout the experiment. Each trial lasted approximately 5-6 days and concluded when the larvae reached the migration stage of development. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test. All experiments showed statistical significance between ambient temperature and bait cups, with the bait cups being significantly warmer than ambient temperature (p< 0.0001). Future experiments could improve by altering the experimental setup in a way that the larvae could not migrate into the water, reducing larval mortality. Finding a way to secure the temperature probe into place would also improve the accuracy of the data.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Abby: Abby Burton is a senior Chemistry and Biology major from Schererville, Indiana. She has a minor in forensic science. She plans on attending graduate school after graduation. 

Eris: Eris Nantz is a senior Biology major from Portage, Indiana. She has a minor in forensic science. She plans on working in the field of forensic science after graduation. 

Jayde: Jayde Harris is a junior Biology major from East Chicago, Indiana. She hopes to attend medical school after graduation. 

Jodie: Jodie Brasseur is a senior Biology major from Portage, Indiana. She plans on attending veterinary school after graduation. 

Bri: Bri McFerson is a junior Biology major from Michigan City, Indiana. She plans on attending veterinary school after graduation. 

Madi: Madi Beretellotti  is a sophomore Biology major from Plano, Illinois. She plans on attending medical school after graduation. 

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