Larder beetles (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) as an accelerating factor for decomposition of a human corpse

Abstract

Larder beetles are known to feed directly upon decomposing carrion, with a preference for dried carrion. Under optimal environmental conditions (dry and warm), they can appear in large numbers. In our case, the mummified corpse of a human male was nearly skeletonized in less than 5 months in his apartment with windows closed and a room temperature between 25 °C (near the radiator) and 19.4 °C (near the body). There were very few empty fly pupae in the apartment, but a lot of adult hide beetles, their larvae and larval cast skins (exuviae) ( Dermestes maculatus DEG.) belonging to the family of the larder beetles (Dermestidae). The beetles skeletonized the human corpse in such a short time because of ideal conditions for them in the apartment (dry and warm) making the body an optimal feeding ground because of his mummification.