The first case of forensic entomology applied to a roadkill dog carcass in the Colombian Andes

Abstract

• We report the first forensic entomology case on a roadkill animal in the neotropics. • Post mortem interval and the minimum period of insect activity are calculated based on the fly larvae collected on the dog’s liquefied brain. • The occurrence of colonizer blow flies on dry remains decomposition stage is hypothesized. • The accelerating effect of vertebrate scavengers on the duration of decomposition stages is measured based on the entomological inference. An uncommon case of forensic entomology applied to a roadkill animal is detailed; the minimum period of insect activity (PIA min : 72 h) and the postmortem interval (PMI: ≤48 h) were calculated. Inferences and possible events pre- and postmortem are related and proposed, including the possible explanation of the occurrence of colonizer carrion flies on dry remains. The accelerating effect of vertebrate scavengers on the decomposition stages of the carcass was measured (7.4 time faster). This study is the first forensic entomology case applied to a roadkill animal in the neotropics.