Isolation of Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline from Fly Puparia (Phoridae) and Beetle Exuviae (Dermestidae) Associated with Mummified Human Remains

The use of anthropophagic fly larvae (maggots) as alternative toxicological specimens is well documented in the entomological and forensic science literature. Detection of various toxins and controlled substances in insects found on decomposing bodies has contributed to the assessment of cause/manner of death. With the development of hair extraction technologies, attention has recently focused on the analysis of chitinized insect remnants which are frequently encountered with mummified/skeletalized remains. In such cases, the standard toxicological specimens are often absent. Herein, we report the first detection of drugs from chitinized insect tissues.