[hermantheshocker]

Masses of P. terraenovae puparia on partially mummified corpse suggest that the flies have been breeding on it for several generations.

Necrophagous insects play an important role in the decomposition of the human body. Fly species that are commonly recovered on human corpses concealed in houses or other dwellings are often dependent on human created environments and might have special features in their biology that allow them to colonize indoor cadavers. The photos are from a case from southern Finland where masses of P. terraenovae puparia was found on partially mummified corpse suggesting that the flies have been breeding on it for several generations.

Protophormia terraenovae seems to be highly attracted to human cadavers and plays an important role in forensic entomology in Northern Europe. P. terraenovae is also a practical species to work with as its 2nd and 3rd larval stages, puparia and adults are very easy to identify by using morphological characters only. The larvae have an unusual tendency to pupate on the cadaver if it is dry and not exposed to bright light (Fig.1). There is no further info about the case in the images.

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This post is for educational purposes only and is nonprofit. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, satire, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. No copyright infringement intended. Images have been upscaled and sharpened/enhanced. Some of the text might have been shortened and simplified, and/or reorganized for online view. Photo by Karhunen P. - For. Sci. Int. 2010.

[nudibranches646]

My parents always said close your mouth and breath through your nose or you’ll catch flies.

[dogleg818]

I responded to assist for a body recovery, waiting for the corner we shut the engine down when we could hear the Mass of moving maggots. Was weird, took us a few minutes to figure out what it was & where it was coming from.

[Budd Dwyer]

He will be my new avatar

[suomynona]

Not much actually makes me lose my appetite. Well done

[WonderMomma]

As always, very fascinating. Gave me straight up heebee's but amazing nonetheless. The size of his nostrils almost makes it look like a sculpture or something. They look nearly symmetrical. Reminds me of the Easter Island stones for some reason.

Wonder if that's from the flies inhabiting their cavities?

Great post Herman.

[K53]

Time for breakfast.

[Yoloman]

Originally Posted by K53 ↗

Time for breakfast.

Looks organic and healthy protein !

[William May]

And for you "Walking Dead" fans, it just proves my point about the lack of viability of zombies. If they DID exist, after a few days they would be blinded by the flies breeding in their eyes. Not to mention the flies breeding in their lungs, making it impossible to breath, and the thousands of flied breeding in their nose and mouth. The concept that they would be a hazard to anyone is ridiculous. They would be feeling their way around.
The nostrils are indeed that size because of the growth of the worms and fly larvae, packing and jamming the nasal cavities. Probably hundreds of thousands of pupae squirming around in there. The nostril skin dried up while they nasal cavity was packed with wiggling larvae. I doubt a zombie could find a living human victim with that mess in their nose.

[Rose25]

Your posts are the best thanks !