On a decomposed body, an entomologist recovers second-instar larvae, third-instar larvae, and empty puparia of the same blowfly species. Which specimen provides the most reliable basis for estimating the minimum postmortem interval?

• A Second-instar larvae, being the youngest stage present
• B Empty puparia, representing the oldest developmental stage attained ✓
• C Third-instar larvae, being the largest feeding stage
• D All stages averaged together to reduce sampling error

Explanation

The minimum postmortem interval is estimated from the oldest insect stage recovered, because that stage marks the earliest possible colonisation event. Empty puparia show that at least one full generation has completed development and eclosion, placing death earlier than any larval stage could indicate. Averaging younger and older stages has no biological justification and systematically underestimates the interval.

Reference: Knight's Forensic Pathology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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