Electronic guide for identification of Diptera species of great forensic importance in Brazil

Resumo

Diptera is one of the orders of Insecta with greater importance for the forensic area, especially the medical-legal field, since its species are mainly the first to colonize a corpse, thus, it is possible to estimate the postmortem interval, among other purposes. However, valuable information about biology or ecology can only be accessed and applied to criminal investigation if species are correctly diagnosed. In general, criminal experts do not have taxonomic training for the recognition of species found in cadavers or in a criminal scene. Thus, we developed a guide to identify Diptera species of great forensic importance in Brazil, aiming to create an accessible tool for the identification of dipterans by non-taxonomist professionals.