Necrophilous Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) as indicators of season of death and corpse relocation

Abstract

Several case studies confirm that habitat and seasonal preferences of necrophilous insects are the source of valuable information about the season of death or corpse relocation. Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are common predators found on corpses and subfamily Staphylininae includes species of the largest forensic importance. In order to evaluate usefulness of Staphylininae as indicators of season of death or corpse relocation, a pig carrion experiment was made from April to October in open and forest habitats of Central Europe. Forty species of Staphylininae were collected, with hairy rove beetle (Creophilus maxillosus) being the most abundant. Some species exhibited a clear preference towards particular habitats. It was found that Philonthus lepidus was exclusive to open habitats and therefore may be useful as indicator of corpse relocation from open to forest habitats. Philonthus decorus was the only species found exclusively on carcasses in forests. Clear seasonality was present in nine species. Philonthus lepidus, Bisnius nitidulus, Philonthusconcinnus and Gabrius osseticus were spring – early summer species, while Philonthusspinipes and Ocypus olens were late summer – early fall species. Bisnius fimetarius and Staphylinus erythropterus were spring – summer species. Platydracus stercorarius was summer species. These results indicate that some Staphylininae are good candidates for indicators of season of death or corpse relocation.