Identification of Diptera Puparia in Forensic and Archeo-Funerary Contexts.

Diptera identification is fundamental in forensic entomology as well as in funerary archeoentomology, where the challenge is exacerbated by the presence of immature stages such as larvae and puparia. In these two developmental stages, specimens possess a very limited number of diagnostic features, and for puparia, there is also a lack of identification tools such as descriptions and identification keys. Morphological analysis, DNA-based techniques, and cuticular chemical analyses all show good potential for species identification; however, they also have some limitations.