A STUDY ON THE STAGES OF DECOMPOSITION AND FORENSIC INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHICK AND RABBIT CARCASSES IN WATER
Keywords:
Decomposition, Insect Succession, Aquatic Conditions, Forensic EntomologyAbstract
This study investigates the decomposition and insect colonization on chicken and rabbit carcasses in water. There were five decomposition stages: submerged fresh, early floating, floating decay, advanced floating decay and sunken remains. Chrysomya megacephala, C. rufifacies, Sarcophaga sp. Hydrotaea sp. Saprinus sp. Staphilinus sp. Onthophaga sp. colonized the carcasses during four seasons. C. megacephala and C. rufifacies were the first colonizers and Onthophaga sp. was last. The seasonal variation in the species composition was prominently noticed due to difference in temperature and relative humidity. C. megacephala was the dominant species and its third instar larva could not enter into pupation.
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