Which observation most strongly indicates a nearby carcass?

• A. Bluish-green flies
• B. Fresh fruit smell
• C. Dust from droppings
• D. Mold growth

Answer: (A)

The key signal is the presence of carcass-feeding insects. Bluish-green flies, known as blowflies or green bottle flies, are among the first to detect and colonize decaying tissue. Their strong attraction to carrion means that seeing these flies nearby is a reliable sign that a carcass is present, even if you can’t see it right away.

In contrast, a fresh fruit smell points to fermenting fruit and attractants for fruit flies, not carrion. Dust from droppings could come from various pests and isn’t specific to a carcass. Mold growth indicates moisture and decay in organic matter, but it doesn’t point as strongly to a carcass as active blowflies do.