First report on sarcosaprophagous Formicidae from Portugal (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

Abstract

SummaryThe community structure, dynamics and succession patterns of the sarcosaprophagous Formicidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) at the end of spring and summer, 2004, have been determined following a study carried out in Coimbra (Central Portugal) using piglet carcasses. A modified Schoenly trap was used to collect the fauna. Five decomposition stages were observed and 1061 ant workers, corresponding to six species, were collected and identified. The dominant species was Linepithema humile (Mayr 1868), for which its distribution throughout the decomposition process is shown. Comparisons are made with data from literature at two other localities in Spain. The information presented in this study represents the first report on the sarcosaprophagous Formicidae community that is present in Portugal. These data will contribute to enlarging our knowledge on the biology of this fauna, will provide interesting references for some species, and will be very useful for establishing a database that is critical in forensic practice.