Synanthropy and temporal variability of Calliphoridae living in Cosenza (Calabria, southern Italy)

The aim of this study was to investigate the synanthropy of Diptera: Calliphoridae, insects of forensic importance, inCalabria (southern Italy). The study lasted 2 years, from February 2010 to January 2012, and was carried out in three areas of Cosenzaprovince representing “urban”, “rural”, and “wild” environments. Bottle traps baited with pork were used to catch Calliphoridae. Sixspecies were identified, Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy 1830, Calliphora vomitoria (L.), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819),Lucilia ampullacea Villeneuve 1922, Lucilia caesar (L.), and Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826). Data on phenologies in the study areas arereported for these species and the Synanthropy Index was calculated to evaluate their relationship with the human environment.