to molt into the next instar is fairly consistent; however, temperature can be a factor. Colder weather will slow down the amount of time it takes for each developmental stage, and warmer weather will speed it up. The life cycle from egg to adult can be anywhere from 16–35 days, depending on environmental conditions. Eggs to Larvae The eggs of this genus are white, slightly curved, cylinder shaped and have blunt ends. Once the eggs hatch the larva stage begins. The three instars of the maggots have different characteristics. The first is less than 2 mm long and is a twelve segment skeleton with mouthparts present. The second instar has spines located on the dorsal side and has two posterior spiracle slits from which it breathes. During the third instar, the mouthparts are fully developed. The mouth-hook tooth becomes longer, and the maggot now has three posterior spiracles. Larvae to Pupae When the third-instar larva has finished growing (12–18 mm), it leaves the corpse and burrows into the ground where it develops into a hardened, capsule-like pupa. The brown/black pupa retains a maggot like appearance with outlines of its spiracles and skin, except now it is sclerotized. While encased as a pupa, it is unable to feed and is immobile. Pupae to Adult It takes around 14 days (at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit) before the pupa emerges as an adult fly. The newly adult fly is pale in color with a soft body and wings. As it matures, the fly expands its wings, and the body hardens and changes color. A mature C. loewi is approximately 6–14 mm in length. The fly then mates and will travel several miles to lay its eggs, and the cycle repeats. Importance Forensic Forensic entomology is the study of arthropods and their connection to the courts of law. The family Calliphoridae is very important in forensic entomology. The genus Calliphora also has a very distinct life cycle so based on the different stages that can be found on a corpse; therefore an accurate post mortem interval can be determined. Upon finding blowflies and or their larvae on a corpse, it is extremely important to accurately identify the correct species. For example, a semi- rounded sclerite lying behind the mouth-hook of blowfly larvae exists only in C. loewi and C. vomitoria. Since both of these species of Calliphoridae tend to be found in