Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences Vol. 61; no. 5; pp. 1356 - 1358
• Main Authors: Higley, Leon G., Brosius, Tierney R., Reinhard, Karl J., Carter, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: adopocere; Animals; blow fly; Calliphoridae; Diptera; Entomology; forensic entomology; forensic science; Forensic Sciences; Larva; Postmortem Changes; Pupa; puparia; Specimen Handling; taphonology; adopocere; forensic entomology; Calliphoridae; taphonology; forensic science; puparia; blow fly
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13121

We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft‐bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30–90 sec in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and vortexed in 10‐ to 15‐sec bursts until all puparia appeared clean (with our samples this required a total of 60–120 sec). (iv) Specimens were removed from the 2% KOH, placed in 75% ethanol, and examined microscopically. (v) Material was stored in 75% ethanol for identification and long‐term preservation.