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Carrion insects


Carrion insects are those insects associated with decomposing remains. The processes of decomposition begin within a few minutes of death. Decomposing remains offer a temporary, changing site of concentrated resources which are exploited by a wide range of organisms, of which arthropods are often the first to arrive and the predominant exploitive group. However, not all arthropods found on or near decomposing remains will have an active role in the decay process.

Carrion insects are commonly described based on their ecological role. Four commonly described roles are:

Necrophagous species are insects/arthropods that feed directly on remains, or the fluids released from remains during the decomposition process. This ecological classification includes many species of the order Diptera (true flies) from the families Calliphoridae (blowflies)and Sarcophagidae (flesh flies), and some species of the order Coleoptera (beetles). Although specific arthropod species present at remains will vary by geographic location, some examples of common blowflies are Calliphora vicina, Phormia regina, Protophormia terraenovae and Lucilia sericata

Necrophagous blowfly species are often the first to arrive and colonize at a site of decomposing remains. These species develop from eggs laid directly on the carcass and complete their life cycle on or near the remains. Because of this, necrophagous species are considered to be the most important for post-mortem interval estimations. The initial colonizers of greatest importance are those of the family Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae (house flies), as these are typically the first insects to lay eggs at remains.

The fresh stage of decomposition is characterized by the arrival of necrophagous blowflies and flesh flies. These blowflies are also strongly attracted during the bloat stage of decomposition. Many Dipterans, especially their larval forms, are involved in removal of material from the carcass, though not in an appreciable amount. Necrophagous species of Coleoptera are most strongly attracted during the active stage of decomposition.


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