Forensic Biology: Forensic Entomology - Chrysomya, ADD Method and Body Movement
Published:
Reviewed by Bismith B · 09 Jun 2026
Questions
30
Duration
30 min
Faculty-reviewed
0
Updated
26 May 2026
About this mock
This mock covers the forensic entomology sub-topics that appear most frequently in UGC-NET Paper II Unit X: species identification and colonisation ecology of Chrysomya megacephala (Oriental latrine fly) and Chrysomya rufifacies (hairy maggot fly), the developmental biology of Calliphora vicina, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia cuprina, and Sarcophaga (flesh flies), accumulated degree day (ADD) and accumulated degree hour (ADH) calculations with species-specific base temperature (Tbase) values, Megnin's eight-wave carrion succession model from La Faune des Cadavres (1894), post-mortem body movement detection through geographic insect species mismatch, and entomotoxicology with emphasis on drug concentration in larval tissue and the heroin-specific 6-MAM marker. Questions also test the admissibility of forensic entomologist testimony under Section 39 BSA 2023 (formerly Section 45 IEA 1872).
Indian forensic entomology context is woven throughout: ICMR-VCRC Puducherry provides the primary institutional reference for medically and forensically important Diptera including blow fly developmental data validated for South Asian climates. The National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Bengaluru, contributes epidemiological context, while published Indian casework appears in journals such as the Indian Journal of Dermatology Research (IJDR) and the Journal of Forensic and Dental Sciences (JFDS). Distractors are calibrated on single-parameter differences -- Chrysomya megacephala versus Chrysomya rufifacies morphology, ADD versus ADH temporal resolution, Calliphora versus Chrysomya base temperature (2-3 degrees C vs 10 degrees C), and Megnin's original four-wave misconception versus the correct eight waves.
Topics covered:
- Chrysomya megacephala: adult morphology, oviposition timing, Tbase (10 degrees C)
- Chrysomya rufifacies: hairy-larva predatory ecology, L3 tubercle function, succession role
- Calliphora vicina: Tbase (2-3 degrees C), cool-environment primary coloniser
- Lucilia sericata vs Lucilia cuprina: parafacial stripe, geographic roles
- Sarcophaga viviparity and its effect on the PMI developmental timeline
- Megnin 1894 eight-wave carrion succession model: wave 1 vs 2 triggers
- ADD / ADH calculation: formula, base temperature, resolution comparison
- Body movement detection: geographic insect species mismatch
- Entomotoxicology: drug concentration in maggots, 6-MAM as heroin marker
- Expert witness admissibility: Section 39 BSA 2023 / Section 45 IEA 1872
Allow 30 minutes.
Sources & references
Questions in this mock are written and verified against the following sources. Citations are recorded per question and shown in the explanation after submission.
- cited in 16 questions
Byrd, J.H. & Castner, J.L. -- Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations, 2nd Edition, CRC Press
Chapter 11: Entomotoxicology -- 6-MAM as a Heroin Marker in Larval Tissue Analysis
- cited in 5 questions
Catts, E.P. & Goff, M.L. -- Forensic Entomology in Criminal Investigations, Annual Review of Entomology, Vol. 37, 1992
pp. 253-272: ADD Calculation Worked Example
- cited in 5 questions
Smith, K.G.V. -- A Manual of Forensic Entomology, British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press
Chapter 5: Coleoptera of Forensic Importance -- Necrobia rufipes in Carrion Succession
- cited in 3 questions
Greenberg, B. -- Flies and Disease, Volume I: Ecology, Classification and Biotic Associations, Princeton University Press
Chapter 6: Temperature and Blow Fly Activity -- Calliphora versus Chrysomya in Cool Environments
- cited in 1 question
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 / Indian Evidence Act 1872
Section 39 BSA 2023 (formerly Section 45 IEA 1872): Opinions of Experts -- Science, Art, Foreign Law, Handwriting, Finger Impressions
Open source
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Questions are written and edited by the ForensicSpot team and cited from peer-reviewed forensic textbooks, official syllabi and primary case law. Each one is verified before publishing. Detailed explanations show after you submit, so the test stays a real test. See a mistake? Tell us.
Common questions
What does the Forensic Biology: Forensic Entomology - Chrysomya, ADD Method and Body Movement mock cover?+
This mock covers the forensic entomology sub-topics that appear most frequently in UGC-NET Paper II Unit X: species identification and colonisation ecology of Chrysomya megacephala (Oriental latrine fly) and Chrysomya rufifacies (hairy maggot fly), the developmental biology of Calliphora vicina, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia cuprina, and Sarcophaga (flesh flies), accumulated degree day (ADD) and accumulated degree hour (ADH) calculations with species-specific base temperature (Tbase) values, Megnin'
How many questions and how long is the test?+
30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes total. Difficulty: hard. Tier: Premium.
Who is this mock for?+
Forensic science students and aspirants who want timed, exam-style practice with explanations and verified source citations on Forensic Biology, NET. Useful for postgraduate entrance preparation and for BSc / MSc forensic students testing their recall under time.
Are the questions reviewed?+
Each question carries a verified source citation. Faculty review for individual questions is in progress.
Do I need an account to take this mock?+
Yes, a free ForensicSpot account is required to start a timed attempt — this lets you save progress, see per-question explanations after submission, and track your topic-level performance over time.