Flies Can Smell Death?!

 One of the main decomposers that someone thinks of when they think of insects and dead bodies, would have to be the fly! Flies are always hanging around smelly things, and in fact, are extremely sensitive to the odor that a corpse gives off. Biologists believe that a fly can detect a corpse within 15 minutes of death and they don't have to be near it to smell it either. 

One fly, in particular, the blowfly, is offering forensic scientists vital information when it comes to determining a cause of death. Information has already been put together about the blowfly's life cycles, and with this information, they can help determine the time of death based on which life cycle stage the insects are found in combined with temperature data. 

For example, if a body is found with little white maggots on them, the scientists know that the body has not been deceased for very long since this is the 1st life cycle stage after hatching. Who knew that pesky annoying flies could be so helpful?! 

References

Castner, J. L. (n.d.). An Oriental latrine fly feeds on the body of a dead alligator. Visuals Unlimited .

Holland, J. S. (2013, July 9). Forensic Fly Moves North. Retrieved from National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/130710-fly-blowfly-forensic-time-of-death-climate-science