Four Forensic Entomology Case Studies: Records and Behavioral Observations on Seldom Reported Cadaver Fauna With Notes on Relevant Previous Occurrences and Ecology

A yearlong survey of insect taxa associated with human decomposition was conducted at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science (STAFS) facility located in the Center for Biological Field Studies of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. During this study, four insect—cadaver interaction...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical entomology 2015-03, Vol.52 (2), p.143-150
Main Authors: Lindgren, Natalie K., Sisson, Melissa S., Archambeault, Alan D., Rahlwes, Brent C., Willett, James R., Bucheli, Sibyl R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Animals
Cadaver
DIRECT INJURY, MYIASIS, FORENSICS
Entomology
Feeding Behavior
forensic entomology
Forensic Sciences
human decomposition
Humans
Male
Moths - physiology
Noctuidae
Oviposition
Panorpidae
Psychodidae - physiology
Sexual Behavior, Animal
Syrphidae
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Summary:A yearlong survey of insect taxa associated with human decomposition was conducted at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science (STAFS) facility located in the Center for Biological Field Studies of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. During this study, four insect—cadaver interactions were observed that represent previously poorly documented yet forensically significant interactions: Syrphidae maggots colonized a corpse in an aquatic situation; Psychodidae adults mated and oviposited on an algal film that was present on a corpse that had been recently removed from water; several Panorpidae were the first insects to feed upon a freshly placed corpse in the autumn; and a noctuid caterpillar was found chewing and ingesting dried human skin. Baseline knowledge of insect—cadaver interactions is the foundation of forensic entomology, and unique observations have the potential to expand our understanding of decomposition ecology.
ISSN:0022-2585
1938-2928
DOI:10.1093/jme/tju023