Diversity and Seasonal Abundance of Blowflies (Calliphoridae) in Relation to Carcass Decomposition in Forensic Entomology Contexts in Owerri, Imo State

Blowflies of the family Calliphoridae are primary colonizers of vertebrate carrion and form the foundation of forensic entomology in estimating post-mortem intervals in criminal investigations. In Nigeria, forensic entomology remains an underutilized investigative tool, partly due to limited baseline data on calliphorid species composition and succession patterns under tropical conditions. This study investigates the diversity and seasonal abundance of blowflies colonizing pig carcasses placed in outdoor settings in Owerri, Imo State, to provide regionally specific data for forensic applications. Three replicate pig carcasses will be placed at a controlled outdoor site in each of the wet and dry seasons. Flies will be collected from carcasses every 24 hours using sweep nets, and colonization succession documented from bloat stage through advanced decay. Species will be identified morphologically and relative abundances recorded. Temperature and humidity will be logged continuously. This study contributes to establishing a forensic entomology reference database for South East Nigeria, and findings will be relevant to both law enforcement agencies and university forensic science training programs. Keywords: blowflies, Calliphoridae, carrion succession, forensic entomology, Imo State