| dc.description.abstract | Forensic entomology is an important discipline which utilizes the developmental and behavioural patterns of insects which colonize decomposing tissue in a medicolegal context, most commonly to determine the post-mortem interval (PMI). Chryosmya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a secondary colonizer of human decomposition in North America and its predatory behaviour can affect successional data, and therefore alter PMI estimations. Determining the specific volatile organic compounds which induce a response in C. rufifacies could mitigate the effects of this predatory species by providing empirical indications of the behaviourally active compounds released by decomposition. The specific compounds which cause a response in this species were isolated and identified via GC-MS, electroantennography (EAG) and GC-EAG. Electrophysiologically active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from human and pig decomposition were analysed and compared, indicating that pigs are an acceptable human analogue. Six EAG-active compounds were identified via coupled GC-EAG of the VOC samples; BAME, DMDS, DMTS, ethanol, indole and phenol. Dose response testing was conducted, confirming DMTS and BAME as EAG-active compounds. Ethanol was determined to not be EAG-active in C. rufifacies. | en |
