Variation in decomposition stages and carrion insect succession in a dry tropical climate and its effect on estimating postmortem interval

Abstract

Insects have an important role in minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation. An accurate PMImin estimation relies on a comprehensive study of the development and succession of local carrion insects. No published research on carrion insect succession exists for tropical north Queensland. To address this, we aimed to obtain preliminary observational data concerning the rate of decomposition and insect succession on pig carcasses in Townsville and compare these with other regions of Australia and overseas. Adult insects were collected daily from three pig carcasses for 30 d during summer and identified to family level. Observations of decomposition rate were made each day and progression through the stages of decomposition were recorded. Adult insects were identified to family and their presence/absence used as a proxy for arrival at/departure from the remains, respectively. These preliminary data highlight several interesting trends that may be informative for forensic PMImin estimation. Decomposition was rapid: all carcasses were at the dry/remains stage by Day 5, which was substantially quicker than all other regions in the comparison. Differences were also observed in the presence/absence of insect families and their arrival and departure times. Given the rapid progression through early decomposition, we argue that later-arriving coleopteran taxa may be more forensically informative in tropical Australia, in contrast with temperate regions where Diptera appear most useful. This research contributes preliminary observational data to understanding insect succession patterns in tropical Australia and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive local succession data for each climatic region of Australia to enable accurate PMImin estimation. These data will inform future research targeted at gaining a more comprehensive understanding of insect succession in the Australian tropics. Key points: We obtained preliminary observational data concerning the rate of decomposition and insect succession on pig carcasses in tropical Australia. Decomposition was rapid: all carcasses were at the dry/remains stage by Day 5. Coleopteran taxa may be more forensically informative in tropical Australia than dipterans.