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Shao S, Liu S, Li L, Hu G, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Research Status of Sarcosaprophagous Beetles as Forensic Indicators. INSECTS 2024; 15:711. [PMID: 39336679 PMCID: PMC11432003 DOI: 10.3390/insects15090711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
In forensic entomology, research focused on sarcosaprophagous flies, but the sarcosaprophagous beetles, as important "forensic indicator species" of late-stage PMI in cadaver decomposition, received less attention. To increase attention on, and use and understanding of, sarcosaprophagous beetles in forensic entomology, this paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the available relevant literature. The occurrence frequency of beetle families and species from succession studies, actual cases, and experiments were calculated and illustrated using graphs. As a result, a total of 14 families and 1077 species associated with carcasses were collected, with Staphylinidae being the most frequently recorded among the families, and Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) being the most frequently recorded species. In addition, a brief introduction of the cadaver-related beetles of each family is given, and research on the species identification of the immature stages, age estimation of the immature stages, and estimation of the arrival time of sarcosaprophagous beetles are discussed and prospected. This work will aid in the increased use of sarcosaprophagous beetles in forensic science practice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jiefang East Road, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yingna Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
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Hu G, Kang C, Zhu R, Guo Y, Li L, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J. A Preliminary Study of Body Decomposition and Arthropod Succession in an Arid Area in Northwest China During Summer. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:306-315. [PMID: 36478242 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of insect fauna and their development and succession patterns on decaying cadavers is crucial to promoting insect evidence as a useful tool in forensic science, particularly for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). Body decomposition and arthropod succession are affected by many factors and exhibit substantial regional variations; therefore, detailed succession studies in different biogeographic regions are required for understanding the successional patterns of insects in various environments. This study was conducted in the summer of 2021 using three domestic pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domestica L., 1758) in the field of Shizuishan City, Ningxia, Northwest China. A total of 40 species of necrophagous insects belonging to three orders and 16 families were collected. Among Diptera, Lucilia sericata (Meigen,1826), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794), and Phormia regina (Meigen,1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were the dominant species. As for Coleoptera, the dominant species changed throughout the process of carcass decomposition from Saprinus semipunctatus (Fabricius,1792) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) to Dermestes maculatus DeGeer,1774 and Dermestes frischii Kugelann,1792 (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). The carcasses desiccated rapidly and reached the remains stage under extreme conditions of high temperatures and low humidity, after which a large amount of dried tissue of the carcasses attracted populations of Coleoptera, particularly Dermstidae, which were abundant and remained until the end of the experiment on day 50. The current study is the first forensic entomological investigation of succession in Northwest China and provides basic data for the estimation of PMI during summer in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Shizuishan Public Security Bureau, Criminal Police Branch, Shengli East Road, Shizuishan 753099, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
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Menezes CWGDE, Santos CAD, Carvalho DM, Brito ESG, Tavares WDES, Menezes Júnior SMDACDE, Zanuncio JC. Sudden and simultaneous population outbreak of Neoaulacoryssus speciosus in an urban area of 12 municipalities in the Caatinga biome. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20191295. [PMID: 36946799 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320191295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ground beetle, Neoaulacoryssus speciosus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is of high relevance to field because it has been recorded as a pest of seeds and young plants of vegetables and other crops and a predator in agricultural crops, forest and weeds in Brazil. However, natural habitat changes are increasing agriculture and forest insect outbreaks in urban areas. A N. speciosus population outbreak occurred in October and November 2018 simultaneously in 12 neighboring municipalities at the beginning of the rainy season in the northern region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objectives of this study were to report a sudden and simultaneous population outbreak of N. speciosus and to describe the factors of habitat change that could have contributed to this invasion in 12 municipalities in the northern region of Minas Gerais State in the Caatinga biome of Brazil. In addition, female and male genitals were described and illustrated, the scientific classification revised and common names of N. speciosus listed. Thousands of males and females of N. speciosus agglomerated in shady, humid places during the day and night for about 15 days. Neoaulacoryssus speciosus has been identified and illustrated, its scientific classification revised and four common names listed for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claubert Wagner G DE Menezes
- Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Fazenda São Geraldo, Km 06, s/n, Jardim Belo, 39480-000 Januária, MG, Brazil
| | - Conceição A Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Rodovia MGT 367, Km 583, 5000, Alto da Jacuba, 39100-000 Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Danielle M Carvalho
- Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Fazenda São Geraldo, Km 06, s/n, Jardim Belo, 39480-000 Januária, MG, Brazil
| | - Eliane S G Brito
- Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Fazenda São Geraldo, Km 06, s/n, Jardim Belo, 39480-000 Januária, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner DE S Tavares
- Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (APRIL), PT. Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), 28300, Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia
| | - Sady M DA C DE Menezes Júnior
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Três Rios, Departamento de Ciências do Meio Ambiente, Avenida Prefeito Alberto da Silva Lavinas, 1847, Centro, 25802-100 Três Rios, RJ, Brazil
| | - José C Zanuncio
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Entomologia/BIOAGRO, Rodovia Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Development of Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) under Different Constant Temperatures. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040319. [PMID: 35447761 PMCID: PMC9026447 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Sarcosaprophagous beetles are significant pests, but they are also key indicator insects for postmortem interval estimation. In this paper, the development of Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775) at five constant temperatures between 22 °C and 34 °C was investigated. The developmental threshold temperature and thermal summation constant were estimated, the relationship between the larval body length with development time, and the widths of the head capsules and the distance between the urogomphi at different instars were studied. The results provide important basic developmental data for using N. ruficollis to estimate the minimum postmortem interval. Abstract Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) is an important cosmopolitan storage pest, and also frequently appears on highly decomposed and skeletonized corpses. It is a forensically important species expected to indicate a longer postmortem interval (PMI). Therefore, we investigated the development of N. ruficollis at five constant temperatures between 22 °C and 34 °C. Under temperatures of 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 °C, the mean (±SD) developmental durations from eggs to adults were 93.00 ± 1.63, 70.67 ± 0.94, 65.33 ± 3.40, 47.33 ± 0.94, and 56.66 ± 8.73 days, respectively. According to the developmental time and accumulated degree hours results, an isomorphen diagram and thermal summation model were generated. The calculated values of developmental threshold temperature and accumulated temperature constant were estimated by a linear model to be 14.51 ± 0.52 °C and 684.12 ± 33.85 degree days, respectively. Lower developmental thresholds, intrinsic optimum temperature, and upper lethal developmental threshold temperature were estimated by a nonlinear model to be 14.61, 25.90, and 34.94 °C. Morphological indexes of larvae were obtained by in vivo measurements. A growth curve and an equation of the relationship between development time and body length were simulated. In addition, the widths of the head capsules and the distance between the urogomphi of larvae at different instars were determined by cluster analysis. Classifiers were created and validated by linear discriminant analysis. These results provide important basic developmental data for using N. ruficollis to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (minimum PMI). However, this study was only conducted under constant temperature, and the applicability of these data to variable temperature conditions needs to be further confirmed.
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Barros MAS, Iannuzzi L, Holanda Silva IL, Otálora‐Ardila A, Bernard E. Factors affecting searcher efficiency and scavenger removal of bat carcasses in Neotropical wind facilities. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marília A. S. Barros
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Luciana Iannuzzi
- Laboratório de Taxonomia e Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Isabelle Leite Holanda Silva
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n 50670‐420 PE Brazil
| | - Aída Otálora‐Ardila
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
- Grupo en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Av. Carrera 30 No. 45‐03 Bogotá 111321 DC Colombia
| | - Enrico Bernard
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n Recife 50670‐420 PE Brazil
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Tembe D, Mukaratirwa S. Insect Succession and Decomposition Pattern on Pig Carrion During Warm and Cold Seasons in Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2047-2057. [PMID: 34114001 PMCID: PMC8577695 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With the aim of identifying insects with potential value as indicator species in postmortem interval (PMI), the location or season of death of human or monogastric animals, two medium-sized large white pigs were used for the study during cold and warm seasons. Five stages of decomposition and their durations were observed and described in the pig carcasses during both seasons. Carcasses were first colonized by flies from seven taxa during fresh stage. Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya albiceps, (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Musca domestica (Walker) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were recorded as the overall dominant adult flies found on the carcasses in both seasons. Colonization by beetles began during the bloated stage in the warm season and active stage in the cold season. Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Necrobia rufipes (De Geer) (Cleridae) were the most abundant beetles in both seasons. Flies and beetles were generally abundant during the warm seasons as compared to the cold season. However, the difference was only significant for beetles. The highest number of flies were recorded in the bloated stage for both seasons, however they were reduced in the active stage which coincided with the introduction of predatory beetles. The arrival time of the different arthropod species and their association with different stages of decomposition during both seasons pointed to their value in estimating the PMI in forensic investigations in the locality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Consequently, they can potentially be useful in the estimation of PMI and other cases of criminal investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danisile Tembe
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
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Indiaminov SI, Zhumanov ZE, Blinova SA. [Problems of establishing the prescription of death]. Sud Med Ekspert 2020; 63:45-50. [PMID: 33180414 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20206306145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on the analysis of literature data, demonstrated the relevance of further research to establish the prescription of death, including in a hot arid zone. Taking into account the climate of the seasons of Uzbekistan was stressed the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the dynamics of the development of cadaveric changes and supravital reactions, together with the results of biochemical, morphological and morphometric studies of the brain, other organs and tissues at different times of the postmortem period in certain groups. It could be used to develop additional criteria for establishing the onset of death in a hot arid zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Indiaminov
- Samarkand State Medical Institute, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Z E Zhumanov
- Samarkand State Medical Institute, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - S A Blinova
- Samarkand State Medical Institute, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Meira LMR, Barbosa TM, Jales JT, Santos AN, Gama RA. Insects Associated to Crime Scenes in the Northeast of Brazil: Consolidation of Collaboration Between Entomologists and Criminal Investigation Institutes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1012-1020. [PMID: 32125415 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, many studies on Forensic Entomology analyze the activity and succession of flies in animal models. Data on human corpses are always collected and evaluated in isolated cases. This study aimed to list the insect species associated with crime scenes investigated by the Technical-Scientific Institute of criminal expertise of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (ITEP-RN), in the Northeast of Brazil, a region exposed to high homicide rates. In total, 10 cases were investigated, of which 50% were in the initial stage of decomposition. The examined bodies were colonized by species of three orders of insects, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. The order Diptera represented 96% of the total insects, being represented by the following species: Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Cochliomyia macellaria, (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae); Musca domestica (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae); and unidentified females of the Sarcophagidae family. Among beetles, the occurrence of Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), Necrobia rufipes (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), and Onthophagus sp. (Scarabaeidae), as well as unidentified specimens of the families Tenebrionidae and Histeridae were recorded. In addition, specimens of Ectatomma sp. (Formicidae) were also recorded. Considering that the Rio Grande do Norte state presents a high homicide rate and the last cadaver study was conducted over a decade ago, these records update the list of species associated with cadaveric decomposition and contribute to consolidate forensic entomology in the Northeast region.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M R Meira
- Laboratory of Insect and Vectors, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - T M Barbosa
- Laboratory of Insect and Vectors, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - J T Jales
- Laboratory of Insect and Vectors, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - A N Santos
- Criminal officer expert of the Criminalistics Institute (CI), Technical-Scientific Institute of Criminal Expertise of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (ITEP-RN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - R A Gama
- Laboratory of Insect and Vectors, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Singh N, Bala M. Succession study on forensically important Coleoptera from India: a preliminary study and its forensic implications. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-019-0168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Coleoptera is the second most important group of entomofauna associated with decomposition, yet little is known about its role in decomposition and postmortem colonization of carcasses in India and other parts of the world. Consequently, a preliminary study was conducted to study the succession of forensically important Coleoptera using goat carrion as an animal model.
Results
Five decomposition stages were observed during the experiment. A total of 1174 adult coleopterans belonging to 21 species and seven families were collected during this study. Throughout faunal succession, Histeridae and Silphidae were the dominant Coleopteran families, and they occurred mainly during the bloated and decay stages of decomposition; Necrophila (Calosilpha) ioptera was the dominant species present from the bloated to dry stage of putrescence. Two species, Pachylister bellicus and Saprinus sternifossa were reported for the first time from India.
Conclusion
This study provides baseline data regarding Coleopteran species associated with different decomposition stages, but more extensive studies need to be performed to develop a geographical database on arthropod succession from as many habitats as possible so that this kind of data can be used in forensic cases.
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Costa-Silva V, Grella MD, Thyssen PJ. Optimized Pitfall Trap Design for Collecting Terrestrial Insects (Arthropoda: Insecta) in Biodiversity Studies. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:50-56. [PMID: 29949122 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-018-0613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pitfall traps are commonly used for the collection of terrestrial insects in ecology and biology studies; they are relatively straightforward to manufacture and there is a large variety of models described in the literature. However, they present a few drawbacks: (i) the removal and transport of the collected material are not practical; (ii) they have low resistance and durability; (iii) they fail to correctly protect the attractive bait against adverse weather conditions and scavengers, and (iv) evaporation of the liquid used inside the trap. We proposed an optimized pitfall trap design for terrestrial insect collection made from cheap and easily accessible materials. The new design allows the transfer of the collected material to the lab by removing only that part of the trap where the insects have been captured; the other part remains in its original place. Thus, the proposed trap allows easier operation since there is no need to transport water to replenish the traps after each transfer; in addition, there is less volume and weight to be carried. The trap can remain in the field for months because of the durability of its material. Furthermore, the collected material is better protected against adverse weather conditions and scavengers. Currently, an efficient and rapid sampling strategy in the field is of global interest to understand mechanisms that can contribute to the monitor changes in phenology, succession, and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Costa-Silva
- Lab of Integrative Entomology, Dept of Animal Biology, IB, Univ of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brasil.
| | - M D Grella
- Lab of Integrative Entomology, Dept of Animal Biology, IB, Univ of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brasil
| | - P J Thyssen
- Lab of Integrative Entomology, Dept of Animal Biology, IB, Univ of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brasil
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Guedes RDS, Zanella FCV, Grossi PC. Composição e riqueza de espécies de uma comunidade de Coleoptera (Insecta) na Caatinga. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2019012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO Os besouros apresentam grande diversidade taxonômica e funcional, no entanto, para a Região Nordeste, especialmente para a porção com vegetação de Caatinga, o conhecimento da fauna de Coleoptera é muito restrito. Por se tratar de uma região com grande diversidade de paisagens, torna-se necessário conhecer a coleopterofauna que ocorre nas diferentes fitofisionomias, buscando com isso abranger a variabilidade espacial encontrada nessa região xérica. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento das espécies de besouros no Semiárido paraibano. As coletas foram realizadas semanalmente durante quatro anos (2009-2013) utilizando uma armadilha Malaise por fitofisionomia, sendo amostrada uma área com vegetação xerófila e outra com mata ciliar. Foram coletados 6.567 indivíduos pertencentes a 383 espécies e 42 famílias de Coleoptera. Chrysomelidae (78 spp.), Curculionidae (57 spp.) e Cerambycidae (28 spp.) foram as famílias mais ricas. Em relação às mais abundantes, Chrysomelidae (30,4% dos indivíduos), Curculionidae (8,3%) e Tenebrionidae (7,7%) se destacaram. Foi verificado um elevado número de singletons e doubletons, apesar do prolongado período amostral, indicando que deve haver ainda muitas espécies a serem registradas na área de estudos. Nossos resultados demonstram uma rica fauna de besouros na região semiárida estudada e fornece uma lista de besouros de ocorrência no Semiárido paraibano, com novos registros de espécies para o estado e contribui assim com o conhecimento da diversidade de Coleoptera no Nordeste do Brasil.
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Lira LA, Macedo MP, Pujol-Luz JR, Vasconcelos SD. Diel Activity and Effect of Carcass Decomposition on the Attractiveness to the Forensically Important Species Oxelytrum Discicolle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) †. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:799-804. [PMID: 30419145 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxelytrum discicolle is a carrion beetle commonly found in the Neotropical region, mainly associated with cadavers and carcasses. Information on behavior related to the likelihood of cadaver colonization is scarce. We performed two field experiments in peri-urban forest in Brazil in order to strengthen our knowledge on O. discicolle behavior. In the first experiment, we assessed the preference for piglet carcasses at different stages of decomposition offered simultaneously in two seasons, dry and rainy, while in the second experiment we investigated the diel activity of adults. A total of 493 adults were collected in the experiments. A significantly higher abundance was detected in the rainy season. There was a marked preference for carcasses at advanced stages. Adults exhibited a typical nocturnal behavior, the number trapped at night was 17 times greater than those collected during the day. Oxelytrum discicolle is nocturnal species that prefers carcasses in advanced stage of decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Antonio Lira
- Insects of Forensic Importance Research Group, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Laboratory of Entomology/Coleoptera, University of Brasília - UnB, CEP: 70910-900, Brasília-DF-Brazil
| | | | - José Roberto Pujol-Luz
- Laboratory of Entomology/Coleoptera, University of Brasília - UnB, CEP: 70910-900, Brasília-DF-Brazil
| | - Simão Dias Vasconcelos
- Insects of Forensic Importance Research Group, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Salimi M, Chatrabgoun O, Akbarzadeh K, Oshaghi M, Falahati MH, Rafizadeh S, Yusuf MA, Rassi Y. Evaluation of Insect Succession Patterns and Carcass Weight Loss for the Estimation of Postmortem Interval. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1410-1422. [PMID: 29982750 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the succession of insects on rabbit carcass. The study was conducted in sunny and shaded sites in the west of Iran during four seasons in 2016 and 2017. Based on the results of this study, various factors such as body size, carcass location, and carcass injury could affect the pattern of insect succession on carcass. In this study, we estimated the elapsed time since death (R2 > 0.98, P = 0.00) based on carcass weight loss during the stages of decomposition and the cubic method. Jaccard analysis was performed to determine the similarity of insect taxa during decomposition of rabbit carrion in two different sites during a period of four seasons. Succession pattern analysis for necrophagous insects in both habitats showed a similarity between bloat and decay stages for each habitat. On the other hand, pairwise similarities in taxa were low at the fresh and dry stages, however increased at bloat and decay stages of decomposition. This study shows that succession has some limitations in determining the elapsed time of death. Therefore, the use of source of information such as a weight loss model seems to be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Salimi
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences(TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Chatrabgoun
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Statistics, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
| | - Kamran Akbarzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences(TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Oshaghi
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences(TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sayena Rafizadeh
- Ministry of Health, National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mustapha A Yusuf
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yavar Rassi
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences(TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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14
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Salomão RP, Maia ACD, Bezerra BM, Iannuzzi L. Attractiveness of Different Food Resources to Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of a Dry Tropical Area. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:69-78. [PMID: 28401482 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-017-0515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Excrement scarcity is one of the main historical factors leading dung beetles to adapt to other food resources. In the Caatinga, a seasonally tropical dry forest, harsh environmental conditions seem to restrict the availability of food resources. In this scenario, the aim of our study was to experimentally investigate the attractiveness of different potential food resources to these insects in the Caatinga. Field samplings were performed, and we tested five resources in pitfall baited traps: excrement, carrion, fruits of two species of columnar cacti, and seeds of one species of Euphorbiaceae (Jatropha mollissima (Pohl)). In a controlled setting, we tested dietary preferences of Deltochilum verruciferum Felsche by offering one or two resources simultaneously. In the field experiments, 297 dung beetles (9 species) were recovered from the traps, and D. verruciferum was the most abundant species. Carrion and excrement were the most attractive resources. Controlled dietary preference tests with D. verruciferum evidenced that these beetles used all tested food resources, excrement and carrion most pronouncedly. Our findings support copro-necrophagy as the main feeding habit of D. verruciferum, but also suggest that alternative resources might be utilized if preferred resources are scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Salomão
- Instituto de Ecología, A. C., Red de Ecoetología, 91070, Xalapa, VER, Mexico.
| | - A C D Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Univ Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - B M Bezerra
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - L Iannuzzi
- Depto de Zoologia, Lab de Taxonomia e Ecologia de Insetos, Univ Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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15
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Abstract
Forensic entomology can be useful to the veterinary professional in cases of animal cruelty. A main application of forensic entomology is to determine the minimum postmortem interval by estimating the time of insect colonization, based on knowledge of the rate of development of pioneer colonizers and on insect species succession during decomposition of animal remains. Since insect development is temperature dependent, these estimates require documentation of the environmental conditions, including ambient temperature. It can also aid in the detection and recognition of wounds, as well as estimate the timing of periods of neglect. Knowledge of the geographic distribution of insects that colonize animal remains may suggest that there has been movement or concealment of the carcass or can create associations between a suspect, a victim, and a crime scene. In some instances, it can aid in the detection of drugs or toxins within decomposed or skeletonized remains. During animal cruelty investigations, it may become the responsibility of the veterinary professional to document and collect entomological evidence from live animals or during the necropsy. The applications of forensic entomology are discussed. A protocol is described for documenting and collecting entomological evidence at the scene and during the necropsy, with additional emphasis on recording geographic location, meteorological data, and collection and preservation of insect specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Brundage
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J. H. Byrd
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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A checklist of beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) on pig carcasses in the suburban area of southwestern China: A preliminary study and its forensic relevance. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 41:42-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Zanetti NI, Camina R, Visciarelli EC, Centeno ND. Active Search on Carcasses versus Pitfall Traps: a Comparison of Sampling Methods. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 45:221-226. [PMID: 26732526 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The study of insect succession in cadavers and the classification of arthropods have mostly been done by placing a carcass in a cage, protected from vertebrate scavengers, which is then visited periodically. An alternative is to use specific traps. Few studies on carrion ecology and forensic entomology involving the carcasses of large vertebrates have employed pitfall traps. The aims of this study were to compare both sampling methods (active search on a carcass and pitfall trapping) for each coleopteran family, and to establish whether there is a discrepancy (underestimation and/or overestimation) in the presence of each family by either method. A great discrepancy was found for almost all families with some of them being more abundant in samples obtained through active search on carcasses and others in samples from traps, whereas two families did not show any bias towards a given sampling method. The fact that families may be underestimated or overestimated by the type of sampling technique highlights the importance of combining both methods, active search on carcasses and pitfall traps, in order to obtain more complete information on decomposition, carrion habitat and cadaveric families or species. Furthermore, a hypothesis advanced on the reasons for the underestimation by either sampling method showing biases towards certain families. Information about the sampling techniques indicating which would be more appropriate to detect or find a particular family is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- N I Zanetti
- Lab de Entomología Aplicada y Forense, Depto de Ciencia y Tecnología, Univ Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Parasitología Clínica, Depto de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Univ Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - R Camina
- Cátedra de Bioestadística, Depto de Matemáticas, Univ Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - E C Visciarelli
- Cátedra de Parasitología Clínica, Depto de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Univ Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - N D Centeno
- Lab de Entomología Aplicada y Forense, Depto de Ciencia y Tecnología, Univ Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
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18
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Celli NGR, Leivas FWT, Caneparo MFC, Almeida LM. Chave de identificação e diagnose dos Histeridae (Insecta: Coleoptera) de interesse forense do Brasil. IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-476620151054461473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO As espécies de Histeridae são quase que exclusivamente predadoras e podem ser encontradas em uma grande diversidade de ambientes. Dentre os grupos associados a carcaças, alguns são citados como relevantes na entomologia forense médico-legal. Entretanto, há pouca informação taxonômica para a família, principalmente na Região Neotropical. Desta forma, os objetivos do trabalho foram elaborar uma chave de identificação e caracterizar as espécies de Histeridae de interesse médico-legal no Brasil. Além disso, são apresentadas informações de distribuição geográfica e aspectos biológicos das espécies. As seguintes espécies são registradas como relevantes na entomologia forense no Brasil: Aeletes nicolasi Leivas, 2012; Euspilotus azureus (Sahlberg, 1823); Hister cavifronsMarseul, 1854; Omalodes bifoveolatus Marseul, 1853;Omalodes foveola Erichson, 1834; Omalodes lucidus Erichson, 1834, Operclipygus subterraneusCaterino & Tishechkin, 2013; Phelister sanguinipennisMarseul, 1853; e Scapomegas auritus Marseul, 1855. Esta contribuição representa a primeira ferramenta para uma melhor identificação dos Histeridae associados a carcaças no Brasil e pode servir como referência e aplicação na entomologia médico-legal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lúcia M. Almeida
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil
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Molina CM, Pringle JK, Saumett M, Hernández O. Preliminary results of sequential monitoring of simulated clandestine graves in Colombia, South America, using ground penetrating radar and botany. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 248:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Caballero U, León-Cortés JL. Beetle succession and diversity between clothed sun-exposed and shaded pig carrion in a tropical dry forest landscape in Southern Mexico. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 245:143-50. [PMID: 25447187 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over a 31-day period, the decomposition process, beetle diversity and succession on clothed pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were studied in open (agricultural land) and shaded habitat (secondary forest) in Southern Mexico. The decomposition process was categorised into five stages: fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay and remains. Except for the bloated stage, the elapsed time for each decomposition stage was similar between open and shaded habitats, all carcasses reached an advanced decay stage in seven days, and the fifth stage (remains) was not recorded in any carcass during the time of this study. A total of 6344 beetles, belonging to 130 species and 21 families, were collected during the entire decomposition process, and abundances increased from fresh to advanced decay stages. Staphylinidae, Scarabaeidae and Histeridae were taxonomically and numerically dominant, accounting for 61% of the species richness and 87% of the total abundance. Similar numbers of species (87 and 88 species for open and shaded habitats, respectively), levels of diversity and proportions (open 49%; shaded 48%) of exclusive species were recorded at each habitat. There were significantly distinct beetle communities between habitats and for each stage of decomposition. An indicator species analysis ("IndVal") identified six species associated to open habitats, 10 species to shaded habitats and eight species to advanced decay stages. In addition, 23 beetle species are cited for the first time in the forensic literature. These results showed that open and shaded habitats both provide suitable habitat conditions for the carrion beetle diversity with significant differences in community structure and identity of the species associated to each habitat. This research provides the first empirical evidence of beetle ecological succession and diversity on carrion in Mexican agro-pastoral landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaldo Caballero
- Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carr. Panamericana y Av. Periférico Sur S/N, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas 29290, Mexico
| | - Jorge L León-Cortés
- Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carr. Panamericana y Av. Periférico Sur S/N, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas 29290, Mexico.
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