black blow fly (Phormia regina)
Black blow flies (Phormia regina) are a common arrival at the scene of a dead body, and a forensic entomologist can analyze the flies’ larvae for clues about the circumstances of the deceased’s passing. However, collected larvae need to be fed so they can be raised to adulthood and identified to species. A new study says a simple can of tuna could be a simple and cost-effective solution for keeping the larvae alive until a forensic entomologist can conduct analysis. (Photo by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)