NCJ Number
246160
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 1032-1040
Date Published
July 2013
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession.
Abstract
Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession. So far, little information is available on the postmortem colonization by beetles and the decomposition process they initiate under temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles have, however, been referred to as being part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body. Forensic entomologists need increased databases detailing the distribution, ecology, and phenology of necrophagous insects, including staphylinids Coleoptera, Staphylinidae. While pig carcasses are commonly used in forensic entomology studies to surrogate human decomposition and to investigate the entomofaunal succession, very few works have been conducted in Europe on large carcasses. Our work reports the monitoring of the presence of adult rove beetles Coleoptera, Staphylinidae on decaying pig carcasses in a forest biotope during four seasons spring, summer, fall, and winter. A total of 23 genera comprising 60 species of rove beetles were collected from pig carcasses. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.