Effects of refrigeration on development of the blow fly, Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and their relationship to time of death

Eggs, larvae, and pupae of the blow fly Calliphora vicina reared normally at 24°C were kept for 24 h at an ambient temperature of 3.0±0.14°C during growth and development. This was to stimlate the chilling of insects before their collection from cadavers in a morgue at 3°C in forensic entomology cases. Such treatment of any stage induced a 24 h delay in adult emergence because the insects did not appear to develop while chilled. No mortality occurred in any stage, including eggs and 1st instar larvae, during chilling. This information is important for, and should improve the accuracy of forensic investigations. Key words: Forensic entomology; maggot; British Columbia; refrigeration; development