Oviposition
Definition
The act of laying eggs. Blow flies oviposit directly onto remains, choosing moist, sheltered sites such as body orifices and wounds. Temperature and light conditions influence when oviposition occurs.
Related terms
- Calliphoridae
- The blowfly family: metallic-coloured flies that are typically the earliest colonisers of exposed remains. Forensically important genera include Calliphora, Lucilia, Chrysomya, and...
- Larviposition
- The act of depositing live larvae rather than eggs. Flesh flies are larviparous: the egg hatches internally, and a first instar larva...
- Muscidae
- A large family including house flies (Musca domestica) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans). Non-metallic, typically dull grey or brown. Secondary or later...
- Sarcophagidae
- The flesh fly family. Grey or black with longitudinal thoracic stripes and a chequered abdomen. Larviparous (deposit live larvae), so colonisation appears...
- Succession
- The predictable sequence of different insect species colonising remains as decomposition progresses. Early stages attract blow flies; later stages attract beetles, moths,...
Explained in
- Flies of Forensic Importance: Blow Flies and Flesh FliesThe act of laying eggs. Blow flies oviposit directly onto remains, choosing moist, sheltered sites such as body orifices and wounds. Temperature and light cond...