Advanced Stages Of Decay Research Articles

CAN YOU IDENTIFY ME AND MY DEATH LATELY? A CHALLENGING TASK FOR EVERY FORENSIC EXPERTINA DECOMPOSED GUNSHOT BODY: AN AUTOPSY BASED CASE REPORT

Firearm usage for injuring or causing death of the opposite person or selfis very dangerous. Dangerous weapons which are still in use by the people illegally in many parts of the world causing devastating crimes and suicides. A case report which challenges the forensic examiner of an unknown deceased individual with gunshot wound to the head. Upon discovery, the body had undergone significant decomposition, posing unique obstacles to post-mortem analysis. Despite the advanced stage of decay, meticulous forensic procedures were employed to ascertain the cause and manner of death. Thorough careful examination of skeletal remains, wounds on the skull was done for estimation of the height, gender and cause of death. This case highlights the complexities involved in conducting forensic investigations under conditions of advanced decomposition and underscores the importance of thorough forensic methodologies in elucidating the truth behind such tragic events.

Development and Competition of Three Parasitoid Wasps, Brachymeria podagrica, Dirhinus himalayanus, and Nasonia vitripennis, in Their Host, Sarcophaga dux, in Single and Mixed Infections.

Laboratory trials were carried out to investigate the development of three entomophagous parasitoid wasps in preimaginal stages of Sarcophaga dux in monoinfections and mixed infections. Laboratory-raised postfeeding S. dux third-stage larvae were exposed to Brachymeria podagrica. After pupation, 50 of these fly puparia were brought in contact with pupal parasitoid Dirhinus himalayanus and 50 with Nasonia vitripennis, and the remaining 50 puparia were left as Brachymeria monoinfection. In three further trials, each set of 50 freshly pupated host puparia from the same source was exposed to N. vitripennis and D. himalayanus, as monoinfections and mixed infections, respectively. The uninfected control group consisted of 50 S. dux larvae that were kept separately under the same conditions. The percentages of successfully developed B. podagrica and D. himalayanus in monoinfections were 56 and 86%, respectively, and progeny of N. vitripennis hatched from 88% of the exposed host puparia. In mixed infections, N. vitripennis dominated over B. podagrica and D. himalayanus with rates of successfully infected hosts of 50 and 94%, respectively. The number of Nasonia progeny in these groups ranged from 4 to 49 and 5 to 43, respectively. Dirhinus himalayanus did not develop in the simultaneous infection with N. vitripennis. Not a single S. dux eclosed in the six experimental groups, while in the uninfected control group, 46 (92%) adult flies eclosed 11 to 14 days after the start of pupation. Since the three parasitoids emerge from flesh fly pupae, these insects can become important in criminal forensic investigations when corpses are in an advanced stage of decay. More data on their preimaginal development at different temperatures are necessary.

Influence of Picea Abies Logs on the Distribution of Vascular Plants in Old-Growth Spruce Forests

The deadwood contributes to an increase in soil heterogeneity due to the changing the microrelief (by the formation of windthrow-soil complexes), as well as changes in physical and chemical characteristics of decaying wood directly during xylolysis. We hypothesized that fallen logs as an element of microrelief influence the species composition and cover structure of vascular plants. We studied the influence of Picea abies (L.) Karst fallen logs of moderate and advanced decay stages on the horizontal distribution and heterogeneity of vascular plant cover in different microsite types (small boreal grass type, blueberry type, small boreal grass-blueberry type, herbs, and blueberry type) in old-growth middle taiga spruce forest in the Kivach State Nature Reserve (Republic of Karelia, Russia). The fallen deadwood acts as a factor of heterogeneity, causing reversible changes in the homogeneity of the original plant cover. The decaying logs influence the horizontal distribution of small herbs by changing the occurrence and density of shoots of Oxalis acetosella L., Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt, Vaccinium myrtillus L., and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., as well as the occurrence of Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd. and Calamagrostis arundinacea (L.) Roth. Its impact on the heterogeneity parameters can be traced up to 20 cm from the log. The differences in vascular plant cover between fallen logs and the surrounding forest floor depend on the soil conditions of the microsite. The heterogeneity of conditions created by the logs smoothed out with increasing decay class, resulting in decreasing differences in the heterogeneity parameters of vascular plant cover between deadwood and forest floor. The changes in the homogeneity of the initial vascular plant cover by deadwood and the gradual smoothing of heterogeneity between the logs and the forest floor in rich and poor conditions have different, mainly opposite, trends. Finally, the structure of the vegetation cover reaches a state that is typical of particular growth conditions beyond deadwood.

Lesser Woodcreepers excavate nest cavities in trees

Abstract To understand the evolution, life-history tradeoffs, and population ecology of cavity nesters, it is critical to identify the avian lineages and circumstances in which birds excavate tree cavities. Woodcreepers (Furnariidae: Dendrocolaptinae; 56 species) are considered non-excavators dependent on existing cavities. We overturn this assumption by providing definitive evidence that the Lesser Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus fuscus, 23 g) is a facultative tree-cavity excavator. From 2007 to 2022 in the Atlantic forest of Misiones, Argentina, Lesser Woodcreepers nested in preexisting tree crevices (4 nests), or excavated cavities in trunks of large-diameter trees in advanced stages of decay (mean diameter: 58 cm, range: 22–121 cm, 22 nests). Nest entrances were vertically elongated and chambers were usually pocket like, excavated in the exterior of the trees (sapwood), with floors that curved along the trees’ circumference. Excavating woodcreepers pulled out elongated pieces of spongy, fibrous decayed wood, tapping only when inside cavities. Published and online photographs of nests of Xiphorhynchus species suggest that excavation may be widespread in the genus. Our observations that woodcreepers tore out elongated pieces of spongy wood (rather than hammering) are consistent with the idea that their long, thin bills are more resistant to torsion and less resistant to impact compared to the stouter bills of other excavators in Passeriformes and Piciformes. Research has tended to focus on birds with chisel-shaped bills, perforating harder sapwood to create nesting chambers in the center of heartrot-infected trees (resulting in typical woodpecker cavities, with circular floors). We hypothesize that Lesser Woodcreepers have adopted an alternative strategy, selecting large trunks with soft outer wood (sapwood), stopping their excavation radially if they reach harder wood, and then expanding the nest chamber laterally. Furnariidae may offer a useful model family for understanding ecological and evolutionary factors that influence cavity excavation. We provide a Spanish translation in Supplementary Material.

Harmonized decay classification for dead wood in Nordic national forest inventories

ABSTRACT Dead wood quality is typically recorded as a biodiversity indicator and as part of forest carbon estimates, using decay classification systems. In large-scale national forest inventories (NFIs), these systems typically differ among countries. Harmonizing them would allow analyzes over broader scales and the use of larger data sets. Here, we exemplified the development of a harmonized decay classification for the NFIs of Finland, Norway, and Sweden, using wood density as an objective harmonizing criterion. We sampled 441 Scots pine, Norway spruce, birch and trembling aspen in different conditions and decay classes, measured their density and developed the harmonized classification for each species and dead wood type (standing and fallen). The assignments relied on minimizing within-class variance in wood density in the harmonized classes. Assigned into three (standing dead wood) and four (fallen dead wood) classes, the harmonization led to modest losses of information, especially in the advanced decay stages. How the original decay classes were assigned into the harmonized classes differed slightly, depending on the tree species and type. This is an advantage over the expert assessment that typically treat all species and types of dead wood the same way despite clear differences in decomposition pathways.

Harmonization and variation of deadwood density and carbon concentration in different stages of decay of the most important Central European tree species

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is a major component of the ecosystem carbon (C) balance. The estimation of C storage in CWD is an important element of the German greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting of forests, which is mainly based on the German National Forest Inventory. The deadwood C stock is calculated based on deadwood volume and, according to deadwood density (DD) and carbon concentration (CC) for each decay class (DC). Yet, the data basis of DD and CC per DC for above-ground CWD is still insufficient since there are very few country-specific measurements. Values from literature provide a first approximation for national-level estimates. However, different DC systems often prevent the use of DD and CC of other countries. Therefore, we developed a conversion method for harmonization of these data with the German four-class system. Following this, we conducted a meta-analysis to calculate mean DD and CC values for the main Central European tree species and to assess their variation. Significantly lower DDs were observed with increasing DC, except for beech between DC 3 and 4. Compared to spruce and pine, DD of beech CWD was significantly higher, overall as well as in DC 1 and 2. Species became similar in DD in advanced decay stages. A maximum of 92% of the variation in DD could be explained mainly by DC, CWD type, tree species and their interaction. DD values were mostly higher than current values in GHG reporting. CC increased with increasing DC in spruce and pine and was higher than in beech CWD, where no variation was detected. About 86% of the variation in CC could be explained mainly by DC, tree species and their interactive effect. The default value of 50% employed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change might under- (spruce, pine) and/or overestimate (spruce, pine, beech) the real CC depending on DC by up to 3.4 (pine) and/or 4.2% (beech). Based on our calculated mean DD and CC values, the accuracy of C stock assessment in deadwood as part of the GHG reporting for Germany can be substantially improved.

Effect of diazinon (organophosphate) on the composition and succession of Calliphoridae assemblages in rabbit carcasses in the Eastern Amazon.

Fatal poisonings with diazinon may occur both accidentally or intentionally in suicide cases. Forensic entomotoxicology can aid in understanding these deaths by detecting and analyzing the interference of toxic substances in the biology of necrophagous insects. Hence, this study sought to evaluate diazinon's effect on the composition and succession of calliphorid species in the tropical savannas of the Amazon. Nine rabbit carcasses were divided into three groups: one control and two diazinon treatments (100mg/kg and 300mg/kg); each group had three replicates. Three fragments of the Amazon tropical savanna were selected for the experiments. Daily collections of adult and immature calliphorids were performed. Five decomposition stages were observed: fresh, bloated, active decay co-occurring, advanced decay, and dry. Eight species of Calliphoridae were identified among the collected adults: Chloroprocta idioidea (0.1%), Chrysomya albiceps (58.3%), Chrysomya megacephala (14.2%), Chrysomya putoria (2.6%), Cochliomyia hominivorax (1.3%), Cochliomyia macellaria (0.5%), Lucilia eximia (19.8%), and Paralucilia paraensis (3.3%). The adult specimens in the control group with the highest abundance were observed only from the advanced decay stage onward. In the dry stage, abundance was higher in control than in treated carcasses. From the sampled 941 Calliphorid immatures, three species were identified: C. albiceps (76,3%), C. putoria (1%), and L. eximia (22,7). The number of immatures was higher in control than in treated carcasses. Therefore, diazinon interferes with the putrefaction timeframe in carcasses, slowing the decomposition stages and affecting their colonization by immature forms of Calliphoridae.

Post-mortem interval of buried homicides in Okuku, Nigeria

BackgroundPost-mortem interval estimation of carcasses buried in shallow graves is a grey area in Nigerian forensic investigations. Most of the investigations and court decisions on the time of death of concealed homicides are based on assumptions in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated the post-mortem interval of buried remains in Okuku, Cross River State of Nigeria using porcine models. This study also provided a model account of the pattern and timeline of decomposition of buried remains in Nigeria.ResultsFour stages of decomposition were identified within the study period which includes fresh, bloat, active decay, and advanced decay stages. Features of bloat stage of decomposition include bloating of the animals and release of putrid odour. The active decay stage was characterized by the absence of maggots, bone exposure, and greyish discolouration of the body. The advanced decay stage of decomposition is characterized by adipocere formation, fungi activities, and bone exposure.ConclusionsBuried bodies do not completely skeletonize within 168 days in a typical Nigerian savannah region. Bloat stage started by the 7th day; the active decay stage started by the 14th day. The fresh stage of decay lasted up to 7 days; the bloat stage lasted for 14 days. The active decay stage lasted about 35 days, and the advanced decay stage started at about the 56th day and progressed until the end of the study.

Seasonal differences in day-roost selection by Northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) in Louisiana and a meta-analytical comparison across North America

Resting-site selection involves some of the most important decisions made by organisms. For forest-dwelling bats, where to roost influences not only resting but also many other activities that affect fitness such as raising young, thermoregulation, communication, and evasion of predators. Across much of North America, many bats roost in trees during summer and hibernate in caves during winter and as such, most of the focus on roosting ecology and forest management has been during summer. Along much of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains in the southern portion of North America, winters are relatively warm, few caves exist, and many bat species are active. Herein, we described the tree-roosting ecology of Northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) in Louisiana in both summer and winter, examined roost selection, compared selection seasonally, and compared various aspects of roosting ecology in Louisiana to other areas across North America. We found that in Louisiana M. septentrionalis roosted primarily in pine trees and found no significant differences in roosting characteristics between sexes. Year-round, bats preferred roosts in trees in more advanced stages of decay than available trees. In summer, bats selected for plot level characteristics such as higher density of trees that were large and in more advanced stages of decay. In contrast, in winter, bats selected for tree characteristics such as those with taller, greater diameter and with more exfoliating bark. Comparisons with 21 other studies across North America indicated variation in selected roost characteristics among regions. These results highlight variability in roost selection through space and time and suggest that management strategies that are tailored to specific sites may be most effective for enhancing roosting opportunities of M. septentrionalis and ultimately the conservation of this species.

Estimation of Time Since Death of Bodies Above Soil Surface in A Guinea Forest-Savannah Vegetation of Nigeria Using Visible Post Mortem Changes

Background: Forensic taphonomy is the use of decomposition timeline estimation to unravel mystery behind time of death confirmation in homicide cases involving the law court. The Guinea forest-savannah vegetation is one of the vegetations in Nigeria characterized by short trees, grassland, very hot temperatures almost round the year, speedy wind, etc. It has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry seasons. This study aimed at investigating the visible post mortem changes of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) in a Guinea forest-savannah vegetation of Nigeria so that it can be used to estimate time since death of bodies on the soil surface. Methods: A stratified random sampling technique was used to select two male and two female matured domestic pigs from a private pig farm located close to the research facility. The visible post mortem changes were observed daily (morning, afternoon and evening) for 49 days. Results: Four stages of decomposition were identified namely fresh, bloat, active decay, and advanced decay stages. Mummification process started at the sixth day post mortem which slowed the rate of decomposition, and prevented the animals to completely skeletonize within the study period. Extreme atmospheric temperature was the major factor that aided the mummification of the animals. Conclusions: Decomposition of domestic pigs in this region accelerates at the early hours of post mortem, and subsequently slows down due to extreme climatic conditions. In addition, it takes carcasses on the soil surface more than 49 days to completely skeletonize due to its vegetative factors. This implies that most crime investigations carried out in this region must take into account the climatic conditions before estimating the time of death. KEYWORDS: Crime investigation, Decomposition timeline estimation, Forensic taphonomy, Mummification, Stages of decomposition, Visible post mortem changes.

Chemical Characterization and Visualization of Progressive Brown Rot Decay of Wood by Near Infrared Imaging and Multivariate Analysis.

Brown rot fungi cause a type of wood decay characterized by carbohydrate degradation and lignin modification. The chemical and physical changes caused by brown rot are usually studied using bulk analytical methods, but these methods fail to consider local variations within the wood material. In this study we applied hyperspectral near infrared imaging to Scots pine sapwood samples exposed to the brown rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Rhodonia placenta to obtain position-resolved chemical information on the fungal degradative process. A stacked-sample decay test was used to create a succession of decay stages within the samples. The results showed that the key chemical changes associated with decay were the degradation of amorphous and crystalline carbohydrates and an increase in aromatic and carbonyl functionality in lignin. The position-resolved spectral data revealed that the fungi initiated degradation in earlywood, and that earlywood remained more extensively degraded than latewood even in advanced decay stages. Apart from differences in mass losses, the two fungi produced similar spectral changes in a similar spatial pattern. The results show that near infrared imaging is a useful tool for analyzing brown rot decayed wood and may be used to advance our understanding of fungal degradative processes.

Scanning Electron Microscopy examination of the surface of softwood attacked by fungus

The morphological structure of the surface of four Cedrus atlantica softwood samples was monitored by scanning electron microscope. The obtained results have shown formation of cracks on the surface of samples with deterioration of the majority of cellulosic fibers. The alteration of wood structure and decomposition of carbohydrates exploited by scanning electron microscopy images could act as a confidential sign of an advanced stage of wood decay by biological attacks, leading upon time to the extinction of this natural wealth. It appeared that the studied samples were attacked by brown-rot fungus selectively decaying the cell wall of softwood materials. The scanning electron microscope morphological observation revealed that microfibril distribution was heterogeneous and dynamic contact angles increase significantly during exposure to the non-controlled environmental conditions.

Detection and Quantification of Coarse Woody Debris in Natural Forest Stands Using Airborne LiDAR

AbstractCoarse woody debris (CWD) is a meaningful contributor to forest carbon cycles, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity and can influence wildfire behavior. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS), we map CWD across a range of natural forest stand types in north-central British Columbia, Canada, providing forest managers with spatially detailed information on the presence and volume of ground-level woody biomass. We describe a novel methodology that isolates CWD returns from large diameter logs (>30cm) using a refined grounding algorithm, a mixture of height and pulse-based filters and linear pattern recognition, to transform ALS returns into measurable, vectorized shapes. We then assess the accuracy of CWD detection at the individual log level and predict CWD volume at the plot level. We detected 64% of CWD logs and 79% of CWD volume within our plots. Increased elevation of CWD significantly aided detection (P = 0.04), whereas advanced stages of decay hindered detection (P = 0.04). ALS-predicted CWD volume totals were compared against field-measured CWD and displayed a strong correlation (R = 0.81), allowing us to expand the methodology to map CWD over a larger region. The expanded CWD volume map compared ALS volume predictions between stands and suggests greater volume in stands with older and more heterogeneous stand structure.

A Checklist of Arthropods Recorded on Exposed Pig Carrion in Neke, Enugu State, Nigeria.

A comprehensive study of insects recovered on the decaying pig was carried out from 7th June to 7th September, 2018 to identify the arthropods connected with the pig carrions. The study revealed that Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Isoptera were the group of insects that were collected on the carrions. At the fresh stage, there were 78 insects and at the bloated stage there were 182 insects while at the active decay stage there were 262 and at the advanced decay stage there were 319 insects as the dry decay stage yielded only 119 insects. The Simpson index was high (0.95) in the active decay and advanced decay stages but was low (0.89) in the fresh and dry decay stages. The Dominance index was high (0.11) in the fresh and dry decay stages of but was low (0.05) in the active and advanced decay stages and the Shannon-Weiner index (H) was high (3.09) in the advanced decay stage but low (2.33) in the dry decay stage. The Evenness index (E) was high (0.95) in the fresh stage but low (0.86) in the dry decay stage. Richness index: Margalef (R) was high (4.03) in the advanced decay stag but was low (2.07) in the fresh stage as the Equitability index was high (0.98) in the fresh and bloated stages but low (0.94) in the dry decay stage. The score plot of the PCA shows a scatter plot of species distribution in carrion for components 1 and 2. Component 1 accounted for 42.3% of the variation in the dataset while component 2 accounted for 24.6% making a total of 66.9%.

Ageing forests and carbon storage: a case study in boreal balsam fir stands

AbstractThe pattern of change in carbon (C) accumulation with forest ageing can vary greatly amongst different forest types. Documenting how C accumulates in various forest ecosystems in the absence of logging makes it possible to predict what would be the outcome of extending forest rotations or in dedicating more land to conservation on C storage. This study was conducted in boreal balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests of Quebec, in eastern Canada. We compared carbon stocks in forest pools (aboveground (live) biomass, deadwood, FH horizon and mineral soil) of mature (70 years after harvest) vs old-growth stands (stands with no signs or history of human disturbance). Total ecosystem C stocks were not significantly different between mature and old-growth stands. However, as mature stands transition to old-growth stage, there appears to be a shift of C from live biomass pools towards deadwood and soil FH horizons. Coarse woody debris in old-growth stands were also found to be at more advanced stages of decay. The variability of C stocks was also high amongst old-growth stands; however, there was no obvious difference in structural diversity between mature and old-growth stands. Results suggest that ageing balsam fir stands through the lengthening of forest rotations (e.g. past the maturity age of 70 years) or by placing them under conservation, while not creating an important C sink, still contributes to maintain large forest C stocks across landscapes. Preserving or increasing the presence of old-growth forests is an important aspect of ecosystem-based forest management; our study concludes that it could also be compatible with sustainable forest carbon management.

Temporal variability of the rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) community on small vertebrate carrion and its potential use for forensic entomology

Rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are one of the most important colonizers of vertebrate cadavers. We have previously investigated carrion-associated rove beetle communities across various forests and demonstrated that the study regions are the main drivers of the local rove beetle species pool that is, in turn, able to colonize a carcass. Nevertheless, little is known about their temporal variation in community composition during the decomposition process. The aim of our study has been to analyze the temporal changes of the composition of the rove beetle community and to identify new, potentially useful candidate species for forensic entomological evaluations. We determined 80 rove beetle species that were attracted to 60 piglet cadavers across various forest stands in Germany. Both the abundance and the community composition changed over the decomposition process, independently of the species-specific geographical variation across study regions. In the region Schorfheide-Chorin, species from the genus Philonthus proved to be a suitable group for future forensic entomological investigations. They appeared in markedly high numbers at piglet cadavers from the bloated stage until the advanced decay stage. For the study region Schwäbische Alb, we newly describe the species Omalium septentrionis as a member of the carrion-associated rove beetle fauna. Based on the geographical variation in rove beetle community compositions, we have filtered out several species that might contribute to advances in postmortem interval estimations or other applied fields in forensic entomological contexts.

Forensic Entomology: Arthropods collected on decomposing pig carrions in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

A data base of arthropods of forensic importance was collected from pig carrions from 10th June to 10th August 2017 in the Warri city, 3 pigs were killed by cervical dislocation and left to decay while the daily assemblage of arthropods were collected from it. The result showed 5 stages of the carrion decomposition; fresh, bloated, active decay, advance decay and dry decay correspondingly despite that there was only a single sequence of decomposition. Entomofauna groups from 3 orders of Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, with ten families were collected during the study while 233 insects were collected at the fresh stage, 324 were collected at the bloat stage, and 328 were recorded at the active decay stage, 405 at the advance decay stage and only 158 at the dry decay stage. The dominance index was high (0.09) at the dry decay stage but low (0.06) at the bloat, active decay and advanced decay stages. Shannon–Wiener index (H) was high (2.91) in the advanced decay stage but was low (2.52) at the dry decay stage. Arthropod from the orders of Diptera and Coleoptera were forensically significant as they used the carcasses for feeding and oviposition and could be used in the estimation of the post mortem interval while the order Hymenoptera used the carrion as extension of their habitat and as predatory ground to the necrophagous groups, it is advocated that more studies be carried out in different seasons using different animal models to create dependable data base of forensically importance arthropods in Warri and its environs.

Colonization of Rabbit Carcasses by Drain Fly Larvae, Psychoda sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae): The First Report.

Psychoda sp. is often collected from patchy habitats such as sewers, drains and decomposing organic matters. The discovery of Psychoda sp. in forensic studies indicated that it might have noteworthy value in assisting death investigations. This study reports on the first finding of Psychoda larvae collected from decomposing rabbit carcasses placed in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. The larvae were first observed on rabbit carcasses and were collected using tweezers and carefully preserved in 70% ethanol. They were subsequently mounted on microscopy slides using Hoyer's medium and identified as Psychoda sp. morphologically. The identification was also confirmed through a DNA barcoding analysis. Psychoda sp. larvae were collected on day-10 post-mortem where the rabbit carcasses were at the advanced decay stage of decomposition. The cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of the larvae had 90% similarity with the Psychoda spp. in the database. The finding of these larvae on carrion may provide additional valuable insights into forensic entomology and may assist in death investigations.

First record of flesh fly Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) aegyptica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from India

Accurate identification of insect specimens is an essential requirement in forensic entomology. This study aimed to collect adult sarcophagid flies and to identify them based on the male genitalic characters. Its the first report of Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) aegyptica from India. The fly has collected, from pig carcasses placed in indoor, outdoor, and aquatic environments during bloated & advanced decay stages of decomposition. The carcasses have placed for decomposition during winter (2015) and spring (2017) seasons in the rural area of Punjab (India). S. (L.) aegyptica belongs to subgenus Liosarcophaga of Superfamily Sarcophagidae, and Salem first reported it from Egypt in 1935. S. (L.) aegyptica is a subtropical thermophilous species that has a wide distribution in the Eastern Hemisphere. The species is infrequent and generally attracted to meat and feces. Their larvae feed and develop on vertebrates carcasses. The species show peculiarity from other species of this genus by the structure of inner forceps of genitalia, which is straight and slightly widened at the subterminal end. Another disparity is in the process of the apical plate of paraphallus, which is pointed at the end. This family has great importance in the field of forensic entomology as they visited immediately on carcasses after Calliphoridae. The fly is of medical importance as these flies are responsible for causing myiasis in humans and animals; hence, they are of medical importance and useful in the estimation of post mortem interval (PMI).

The relationship between epixylic bryophyte communities and microclimate

AbstractAimDead wood‐inhabiting bryophyte communities are formed by several important factors. Besides the amount, quality and continuity of the substrate, there are also external factors indirectly influencing their structure. One of the most important is local microclimate. This fact has been recognized by many previous authors, yet studies exploring the direct effect of the microclimate on epixylic bryophytes are still sparse. Based on directly measured values of local temperature, air humidity and canopy openness (CO), we explored the associations between microclimate and epixylic bryophyte communities.LocationOld‐growth mixed Fagus sylvatica‐Abies alba montane forest in the Czech Republic (West Carpathians).MethodsThe associations between microclimate and bryophyte communities were studied on 61 large logs of Abies alba in advanced decay stage. Air temperature and humidity were measured in three periods of the year 2017, CO was measured in leafless and leaf‐on periods. Water potential (Ψ) values were calculated from the data. The importance of the seasons was compared, the effect of microclimate variables on the species composition of logs was explored by canonical correspondence analysis. The effect on total cover and species richness was analyzed by linear models.ResultsOur analysis revealed a clear relationship between the communities and the microclimatic gradient. The most important factors for bryophyte composition were the spring and summer water potential and CO in the leaf‐on period. Total species richness and cover increased with increasing water potential (relatively cool and humid conditions). Also, the appearance of sensitive epixylic specialists (mainly liverworts) was positively correlated with these microclimatic conditions. On the other hand, species more tolerant to desiccation preferred logs with a drier and warmer microclimate.ConclusionsComparing logs with similar physical properties but different microclimates, we confirmed that epixylic bryophyte communities are significantly associated to microclimatic conditions in natural temperate forest.