HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The larvae of flies (maggots) are the most obvious and abundant fauna present on corpses in the early stages of decomposition. House flies Muscidae and blowflies Calliphoridae are the first to arrive (pioneer flies). Flies in both these families lay eggs (although some blowflies ‘lay’ larvae).

Detailed explanation-2: -The first type of insect to arrive at a dead body is usually a blowfly (Calliphoridae), attracted by body fluids and gases. It lays its eggs within two days after death, so its stage of development-egg, larval stages, prepupal or pupal stage, adulthood-will suggest how long the corpse has been lying undetected.

Detailed explanation-3: -Toxins released by damaged tissues and ammonia secreted by the maggots are absorbed through the lesions into the sheep’s bloodstream, causing illness and death in severe cases. Secondary bacterial infections are common and may also cause death if untreated.

Detailed explanation-4: -The life cycle begins when a female blowfly lays eggs in the wound or opening of a cadaver. One female can lay 250-350 eggs. Eggs are primarily laid in winter, although blowflies thrive in humidity. Within 24 hours, the eggs hatch and are now known as maggots or first-stage larvae.