Warning for big icky larvae. Feel free to skip.


The body is laid out before Sherlock, presented neatly on the metal morgue table. Upon initial observation, the torso and abdomen appear bloated, but he's waiting for Molly to cut him open before passing any concrete judgment.

She comes up beside him, scalpel in hand. He steps out of the way, allowing Molly to do her job without interruption for once. As she makes the incision, Sherlock can't help but let out a yelp of glee as a cascade of enormous larvae pours out of the widening cavity. Nearly vibrating with excitement, Sherlock steps forward again, reaching around Molly to grab one with a pair of tweezers. She grumbles, but doesn't stop him.

He brings it up to the light, studying it before holding it out to John.

"Isn't it gorgeous, John?" The grub wriggles, trying to free itself.

John furrows his brow. "I think that's a pretty subjective question. Does it tell you anything useful?"

"Mmm, I think it's a rhino beetle larva. If I'm right that's definitely important, they're not native to here and certainly not the sort of thing you'd expect to find in a body. Molly, get me a specimen jar so I can bring this home, would you? I need to study it properly, there is so much fascinating information to be gleaned from these bugs."