Abstract
Ants are among the insects involved in cadaveric decomposition processes, as they exhibit predatory and necrophagous behavior. Red ants exhibit an aggressive behavior, which impacts carcass colonization, accelerates or delays the decomposition rates and potentially confounds interpretation of the post-mortem interval. Here, we estimated the effects of Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) activity on the decomposition rate in domestic pig carcasses. We placed two pig carcasses close to S. saevissima nests, and two other pig carcasses (controls) in other locations 50 m away from the nest. Decomposition processes were delayed by at least three days for carcasses on the nest compared to those without direct exposure to ants. Our results showed that predatory activity of S. saevissima interfered with carcass colonization by scavenger insects, functioning as an ecological barrier to the establishment of immature Diptera. Such results highlight the importance of considering ecological processes that may interfere with mechanisms determining post-mortem intervals.
Highlights
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are among the insects involved in decomposition processes, and exhibit both predatory and necrophagous behavior (Carvalho et al 2004; Cruz & Vasconcelos, 2006). They interact with other arthropods around decomposing bodies (Rámon & Donoso, 2015). Due to their aggressive behavior, ants from the genus Solenopsis can reduce the number of eggs and larvae in cadaver-occupying species, impacting carcass colonization (Stoker et al, 1995) and either accelerating or delaying the rate of decomposition (Andrade-Silva et al 2015)
These ants may potentially confound interpretation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Despite their relevance in forensic entomology, little is known about the effects of Solenopsis spp. on the process of cadaveric decomposition
Most studies conclude that these ants alter insect succession patterns and decomposition processes, but do not indicate how these factors are altered (Zara & Caetano, 2010; Andrade-Silva et al 2015; Maciel et al 2015)
Summary
Due to their aggressive behavior, ants from the genus Solenopsis can reduce the number of eggs and larvae in cadaver-occupying species, impacting carcass colonization (Stoker et al, 1995) and either accelerating or delaying the rate of decomposition (Andrade-Silva et al 2015). In addition to climatic conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, the presence of and ecological interactions between insect guilds play a key role in the decomposition rate of vertebrate carcasses (Simmons et al 2010; Santos & Alves, 2016). Most studies conclude that these ants alter insect succession patterns and decomposition processes, but do not indicate how these factors are altered (Zara & Caetano, 2010; Andrade-Silva et al 2015; Maciel et al 2015).
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