Welcome to Arab Journal of Plant Protection
CURRENT ISSUE

Volume 44, Issue 2, June 2026

eSSN 2412-5407
pISSN 0255-982X

مجلة وقاية النبات العربية

Arab Journal of Plant Protection

A Regional Scientific Journal Published Four Times a Year by the Arab Society for Plant Protection

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Morphological Study of Forensically Important Insects Associated with Decomposing Corpses of Sheep in Erbil Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

H.J. Hammeed1, Z.Z. Omar2*, B.S. Abdulla3, W.N.A. Agha4, A.M. Faraj5 and N.A. Mawlood4

(1) Department of Biology, College of Science, Al Farabi University, Iraq; (2) Department of Biology, College of Education-Shaqlawa, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; (3) Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; (4) Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; (5) College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.

*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]

DOI https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001499

Abstract

This study included a morphological description of forensically important insects associated with decomposing sheep corpses in Erbil Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The samples were collected from January to September 2024. A total of eight insect species, belonging to two orders, Coleoptera and Diptera were identified. The five species belonging to the order Coleoptera were: Thanatophilus rugosus (Linnaeus), Nitidula flavomaculata Rossi, Saprinus tenuistriatus Solsky, Opatroides punctulatus Brullé, and Aphodius mayeri Pilleri. The order Diptera included three species: Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), and Sarcophaga pernix Harris. Saprinus tenuistriatus Solsky was recorded for the first time in Iraq. Taxonomic keys were used to identify the families. Distinctive morphological characteristics of each species were described. Habitus images, as well as photographs of antennae and male genitalia, were taken. Collection localities and dates of specimens were documented.

Keywords:

Description, forensic insects, Iraq.