Forensic Flies: Advances in Study Through Morphological Evidences

Microscopy is by far the most powerful tool in identification and study of the forensic flies. Our knowledge on fly morphology, reproductive parts, genitalia, male accessory glands, developmental stages of eggs (immature, pupa, larva), adult stages, salivary glands, antennal sensilla, and alimentary canals of flies are largely based on studies from light and scanning electron microscope that enables their identification, and some features like male genitalia find importance as identification keys in Calliphoridae. SEM studies have enabled identification of Chrysomya species from immature forms from corpses. In this chapter we highlight the advances of morphology-based studies in flies of forensic importance.