Background: A closer relationship has been established between entomology and toxicology, giving rise to a new field known as entomotoxicology, which focuses on the bioaccumulation of toxic substances in scavenging insects and other arthropods. 
 
Methods: This study investigates the impact of lethal doses of Mercury Chloride (HgCl2) and Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) administered to male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus) on the distribution of Mercury and Cadmium in rabbit organs and their subsequent accumulation in Chrysomya albiceps larvae. The experimental groups were subjected to oral administration of specific concentrations of HgCl2 and CdCl2, while a control group received distilled water. Organ dissection and subsequent larval feeding were followed by acid digestion for sample preparation and inductively coupled plasma torch spectrometry coupled with a mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was employed for analysis. 
 
Result: Results indicate a significant increase in Mercury concentrations in treated rabbit organs, with the liver exhibiting the highest concentration. Cadmium showed diverse distribution among rabbit organs, with the highest concentrations in the kidneys. Ch. albiceps larvae, reared on rabbit organs, exhibited varied concentrations of both Mercury and Cadmium, with significantly higher levels in the treated group. These findings underscore the ecological implications of heavy metal exposure and the potential utility of insect larvae in forensic investigations as bioindicators of environmental contamination.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Rabbit Organs and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) Larvae: Implications for Forensic Entomology

Background: Forensic entomology utilizes insects for legal and criminal investigations, particularly in determining the time of death when traditional medical parameters become ineffective after 72 h. Insects play a crucial role in Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation and provide insight into crime scene events. 
 
Methods: This study focused on the collection and molecular identification of forensic insects in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Rabbit carcasses were used as human analogs and were placed in specialized cages across five locations. Insects were collected twice daily for two weeks and identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)and sequencing were used for genetic analysis. 
 
Result: Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic similarities among the collected species, indicating low genetic diversity and a stable population structure. The key species identified were Sarcophaga dux, Wohlfahrtia nuba, Sarcophaga harpax, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya marginalis, Atherigona orientalis, Musca domestica and Hydrotaea capensis. These findings support the use of genetic analysis for accurate species identification in forensics. Additionally, this study highlights the potential impact of climate change on insect populations, suggesting future research directions in forensic entomology. This study contributes to the understanding of forensic insect ecology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhances forensic investigation methods.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Rabbit Organs and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) Larvae: Implications for Forensic Entomology

Molecular Identification of Forensic Insects Collected from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia