Microsatellite analysis of four populations of the blow fly, Calliphora dubia to assess within species genetic diversity and implications for forensic entomology

lntraspecies genetic variation may impact the accuracy of forensic entomological estimates where reference data, derived from a single population, is applied to variable locations. A microsatellite library and multiplex system were developed to assess intraspecies genetic variation between four populations of the forensically significant fly, Calliphora dubia (Diptera : Calliphoridae), located along the coastline of Western Australia . No genetic variation was detected between populations although evidence of two sub-populations were revealed within the Geraldton population. Population specific data appears unwarranted for forensic applications involving C. dubia within Western Australia, though environmental influences or phenotypic plasticity were not ruled out.