Arthropods Associated with Bovine Carrion in Central Oklahoma

Abstract

Abstract. The major arthropod taxa visiting carrion in central Oklahoma were enumerated qualitatively. Immature and adult arthropods were collected from beef cadavers throughout decomposition during fall/winter and spring/summer seasons. Arthropods were identified to the most specific taxonomic level possible, and more than 35 taxa of Diptera and Coleoptera commonly associated with carrion were confirmed. As expected, Calliphoridae were the most abundant Diptera during both seasons, followed by Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, and Ulidiidae. Most species of blow flies in fall/winter were the black blow fly, Phormia regina (Meigen), and hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifaces (Macquart). P. regina and Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) were the major species present during the spring/summer season. The coleopteran most commonly collected both seasons was the hairy rove beetle, Creophilius maxillosus (Linnaeus), in the family Staphylinidae. Beetles in the families Dermestidae and Trogidae also were collected.