Pig Carrion Research Articles

Estmation of time interval of the pig carrion by beetle fauna succession in southeast, Nigeria

Estmation of time interval of the pig carrion by beetle fauna succession in southeast, Nigeria

Molecular identification of blowfly species (diptera: calliphoridae) and beetles (coleopterans) of forensic importance associated with pig (sus scrofa) carrion in Nigeria

Molecular identification of blowfly species (diptera: calliphoridae) and beetles (coleopterans) of forensic importance associated with pig (sus scrofa) carrion in Nigeria

Direct relationship between evapotranspiration rate (ETO) and vertebrate decomposition rate

When vertebrate scavenging is excluded, the Evapotranspiration Rate (ETo) of a given geographic region directly regulates the decomposition rate of unclothed vertebrate carrion, with any deviation attributed to insect activity. We conducted four decomposition experiments using pig carrion (Sus scrofa domesticus) over the span of two years (2018–2020) at a location in Davis, California. We used ETo, a variable that accounts for five climatic parameters (wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and altitude) as the rate-determining variable of the decomposition process. We found ETo to have a strong (R2 = 0.98) predictive relationship with the decomposition rate. To account for maggot activity decomposing the carrion, we measured maggot weight in 2019 and 2020 using a novel method, and in 2020 we used FLIR imagery to measure maggot mass temperatures as a surrogate measurement of total maggot activity. Maggot activity was a significant predictor (p < 0.0001) of the decomposition rate, while maggot weight was not (p > 0.1). We hope to show the forensic entomology community the potential of using ETo. Future projects can incorporate ETo as a baseline to decomposition studies to determine if ETo remains the most accurate descriptor of decomposition and ultimately increase certainty in the Postmortem Interval (PMI).

Seasonal diversity and dynamics of entomofauna associated with the decomposition of pig (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) carcasses in a Peri-urban area of Central Burkina Faso, West Africa.

This study aimed to determine the effects of seasons on the diversity and dynamics of insects associated with pig carrion in Gampela, Plateau Central Region, Burkina Faso, West Africa. Pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) were exposed in an open area to monitor their decomposition process and their colonization by insects during a warm and dry period (March-April 2015), a warm and wet period (August-September 2015) and a cool and dry period (December 2015-January 2016). Monitoring and entomological data collection occurred for 60days for each study period. The decomposition process always included five stages (fresh, bloating, putrefaction, postputrefaction, and skeletal), which varied in duration depending on the study period. In sum, 118,761 insects belonging to 4 orders, 12 families, 17 genera, and 21 species were collected during the three study periods, with approximately 61% of the individuals collected during the warm and wet period. The dynamics of insect populations associated with the pig carcasses included two peaks at each study period. Formicidae was the most abundant insect family in each study period, but Musca domestica was the most abundant species. The listed species were found to belong to four trophic groups with a predominance of predators/carnivores followed by necrophagous insects. The orders, families, and trophic groups reported in this study were significantly more abundant during the warm and wet period. The results show prospects for the use of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Dermestidae in criminal investigations, depending on seasonal variations in Sudano-Sahelian areas.

First Interaction Network of Sarcosaprophagous Fauna (Acari and Insecta) Associated with Animal Remains in a Mediterranean Region (Northern Spain).

Simple SummaryForensic entomology applies the knowledge of arthropods to obtain useful information for the resolution of forensic investigations. In legal medicine, one of the methods used for the dating of death is the faunal succession, which is based on the orderly and predictable changes of the species associated with a corpse over time. The potential of insects for this purpose has been known for more than seven centuries, but mites are only currently being incorporated. Mites can provide useful information on the time and place of death because: they are a very diverse group, ubiquitous, abundant, and frequent; they contribute to the faunal succession; they are indicators of location and transfer of the corpse; they can be present in unfavorable conditions or environments for insects; they complement the information obtained from insects; and they are tracking evidence. Due to the absence of knowledge regarding the sarcosaprophagous fauna in the Mediterranean region, it is necessary to highlight the diversity of insects, together with their phoretic mites, present in decomposing animal organic matter, and their interaction network in this region, in order that the results obtained can be applied in future forensic investigations and contribute to the estimation of the time and place of death.The potential of insects for forensic investigations has been known for more than 700 years. However, arthropods such as mites could also play a role in these investigations. The information obtained from insects, together with their phoretic mites, is of special interest in terms of estimating the time and geographical location of death. This paper presents the first interaction network between phoretic mites and their host insects in Navarra. It also reports the first time that an interaction network was applied to animal remains of forensic relevance. The data reveal the degrees of specificity of the interactions established, the biological and ecological characteristics of the mites at the time of association, and factors that played important roles in the mites’ dispersion. Fauna was collected using 657 traps baited with 20 g of pig carrion over a year. Only 0.6% of insects collected carried phoretic mites. The network comprised 312 insects (275 beetles, 37 flies) and 1533 mites and was analyzed using various packages of the R programming language. We contribute new host insect records for 15 mites, 3 new records of insects as hosts, 5 new mite records for the Iberian Peninsula, and 2 new mites records and 8 new insect records for Navarra.

Acari community in association with delayed pig carrion decomposition.

Acari community structure and function associated with delayed pig carrion decomposition has not been examined. In this study, 18 swine carcasses were studied in central Texas, USA, during two consecutive summers (2013 and 2014). Samples of ca. 400g soil were collected from beneath, aside, and 5m away from each pig carcass over 180days. Mites from soil samples were extracted using Berlese funnels and identified to order and family levels and classified according to ecological function. In total 1565 and 1740 mites were identified from the 2013 and 2014 soil samples, respectively. Significant differences were determined for mite community structure at order and family levels temporally on carrion (e.g., day 0 × day 14) regardless of treatments and between soil regions where mites were collected (e.g., soil beneath vs. soil 5m away from carrion). However, no significant differences were found in mite community structure at the order level between pig carrion with and without delayed Diptera colonization (i.e., treatments). Analysis at the family level determined a significant difference across treatments for both summers. Ecological function of mites did not change significantly following the delayed decomposition of pig carcasses. However, detritivores and fungivores were significant indicator groups during the pig carrion decomposition process. Furthermore, 13 phoretic mite species associated with eight forensically important beetle species were documented. Data from this study indicated that the rate of nutrient flow into the soil impacted associated arthropod communities; however, detecting such shifts depends on the taxonomic resolution being applied.

Review of Spider Ecology During Carrion Decomposition, with a Field Study on Density and Taxa Richness in Pitfall Trap Captures of Geophilic Spiders (Aranea: Anyphaenidae, Corinnidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Salticidae)

AbstractDuring a recent pig carrion succession study in northwest Florida, United States, we noticed an abundance of spiders but found that literature on spider ecology at carrion is sparse and scattered. We compiled a literature review of 569 carrion succession studies, of which 37 studies specifically mentioned the presence of spiders, with less than a third providing species-level identifications and only half providing family-level identifications. Nineteen spider families have been reported at carrion in the literature. Spiders are recognized as generalist, opportunistic predators in carrion succession studies, but only 38% of the studies that mentioned spiders during carrion succession included any ecological information. Data on spiders in the present experiment were compared to background samples, finding that the difference in abundance was statistically significant for all spider species combined. Seven species of spiders from five families were identified from both background and carrion succession samples; statistical differences in abundance were found for three species: the linyphiid Florinda coccinea and the lycosids Tigrosa annexa and Pirata seminolus. The family Corinnidae is reported from carrion for the first time. This research reviews the existing literature on spider ecology during carrion succession, provides additional data on species identity and abundance, and demonstrates the potential significance of spiders in carrion ecology and forensic investigations.

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%.

DNA Barcoding Identifies Unknown Females and Larvae of Fannia R.-D. (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Carrion Succession Experiment and Case Report.

Simple SummaryInsects are frequently attracted to animal and human cadavers, usually in large numbers. The practice of forensic entomology can utilize information regarding the identity and characteristics of insect assemblages on dead organisms to determine the time elapsed since death occurred. However, for insects to be used for forensic applications it is essential that species are identified correctly. Imprecise identification not only affects the forensic utility of insects but also results in an incomplete image of necrophagous entomofauna in general. The present state of knowledge on morphological diversity and taxonomy of necrophagous insects is still incomplete and identification of immature and female forms can be extremely difficult. In this study, we utilized molecular identification methods to link conspecific sexes and developmental stages of forensically important flies. We identified larvae and females of flies collected from animal and human cadavers which otherwise were morphologically unidentifiable. The present study fills a gap in taxonomy of flies and provides data facilitating application of new species as forensic indicators.Application of available keys to European Fanniidae did not facilitate unequivocal species identification for third instar larvae and females of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 collected during a study of arthropod succession on pig carrion. To link these samples to known species, we took the advantage of molecular identification methods and compared newly obtained cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode sequences against sequences deposited in reference databases. As an outcome of the results obtained, we describe for the first time a third instar larva of Fannia nigra Malloch, 1910 and Fannia pallitibia (Rondani, 1866) and a female of Fannia collini d’Assis-Fonseca, 1966. We provide combinations of characters allowing for discrimination of described insects from other Fanniidae. We provide an update for the key by Rozkošný et al. 1997, which allows differentiation between females of F. collini and other species of Fanniidae. Additionally, we provide a case of a human cadaver discovered in Southern Poland and insect fauna associated with it as the first report of F. nigra larvae developing on a human body.

Relative Roles of Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Invasive Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Solenopsis spp.) in Carrion Decomposition.

Fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) have increasingly been reported from carrion in the southeastern United States and are now a part of the normal succession community. There have been previous observations of these ants altering carrion and preying on other carrion-attendant fauna; however, the overall effects of these activities on carrion decomposition rates, community composition, and blow fly larval development are poorly understood. Alteration of these ecological processes by fire ants could affect the forensic interpretation of entomological data. We conducted a study in Mississippi and Florida whereby portions of the succession fauna were excluded from access to pig carrion to study the relative effects of fire ants and blow flies on carrion decomposition and succession: a control with all fauna having access, a second treatment where fire ants and other geophilic taxa were excluded, and a third treatment in which blow flies and other large organisms were excluded. Fire ants inflicted lesions in the carrion, buried portions that touched the ground, and preyed on some members of the succession fauna. Their exclusion did not affect carrion decomposition rates that were measured but slightly affected the overall carrion community, and strongly affected the oviposition and development of blow flies. Despite the presence of fire ants early in the control, blow flies were eventually able to overcome predation of eggs and larvae, continue colonization, and complete development; however, the delay in the colonization of blow flies on carrion could affect the determination of postmortem intervals when development rates of blow flies are considered in the calculation.

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.

Forensic Entomology: an inventory of Arthropods collected on the decomposing pig Carrions during the dry season in Warri, Southern Nigeria

Arthropods found on the pig carrions in the dry season in the Warri city at 05°32’34.95"N and 05°44’39.834"E from 10th December 2017 to 10th February 2018 studied. Three pigs were killed and their decomposition monitored for 60 days, arthropods were collected with the aid of sweep nets, brushes, handpicking and pitfall traps while the soil below the decaying pig carrions were searched extensively twice daily for the first week and once daily for the remaining weeks. Data analysis was done by Microsoft excel while graphs were used to demonstrate the frequencies of the arthropods in every phase of decomposition, pie chart was used to elucidate stages of putrefaction and their respective periods. The outcome of the study showed five exclusive stages of decay: fresh, bloated, active decay, advance decay and dry decay correspondingly. The fresh stage took shortest days of 2 as the dry decay took longest days of 41. A total of 1495 arthropods were collected, at the fresh stage, there were 244 arthropods, while 213 were Diptera, only 19 were Hymenoptera and 12 were also Coleoptera but at the bloated stage of decomposition, a total of 273 arthropods were recorded, Diptera were 223 as hymenoptera were 21 and Coleoptera were 29 while at the active decay stage of decomposition there were a total of 437 arthropods, 333 of them were Diptera, 29 were Hymenoptera as 75 were Coleoptera but at the advance decay stage of decomposition, there were a total of 438 arthropods, 225 of them were Diptera, 30 were Hymenoptera as 91 were Coleoptera but at the dry decay stage of decomposition, only 195 arthropods were recorded, 96 of them were Diptera, 21 were Hymenoptera and 78 were Coleoptera in that order, for the reason that the Coleoptera and Diptera used the decaying pig carrions for breeding of their offspring, they could be used in the estimation of the time after death hence are of immense forensic importance while the role of the recorded Hymenoptera could also be of great importance as the tears and wears that they created on the carrions could be cause of error in the estimation of the time of death and their predatory role could also give a fake entomofauna documentation data, more researches of this nature are to be carried out in Warri city and other neighboring communities in order to document reliable database of arthropod of forensic importance in the oil rich city.

Aerobic microbe community and necrophagous insects associated with decomposition of pig carrion poisoned with lead.

This study investigated the effects of pig feed contaminated with lead (Pb) on the decomposition rate of pig carrion, identified the aerobic microorganisms and necrophagous insects associated with decomposing pig (Sus scrofa) carrion (above ground), and explored their potential use in the determination of post-mortem interval (PMI). The study profiled the decomposition of Sus scrofa carrion over a period of 40 days to record the effects of lead during decomposition. Fungi were identified by sub-culturing on prepared solidified potato dextrose agar and microbial identification was carried out using biochemical characterization. The decomposition rate of pigs fed with lead-contaminated feed (0.18 and 0.2 ppm) attracted insects and increased the rate of hair fall, hence at day 35, these carrion were skeletonized. The aerobic bacterial communities identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp. and Salmonella paratyphiwhereas the fungi identified include Fusarium sp., Cylindrocladium sp Cephalosporium sp., Scopolariopsis sp., Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp., Circinella sp., Pythium sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Geotrichum sp., Phytophthora sp., and Saccharomyces sp. The necrophagous insects collected consisted of three orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera which included insects like Chrysomya chloropyga Wiedemann, 1818, Musca domesticaLinnaeus, 1758, Sarcophaga exuberansPandelle, 1896, Necrobia rufipesDe Geer, 1775, Dermestes maculatusDe Geer, 1774, Camponotus sericeusFabricius, 1798 and Camponotus perrisiiForel, 1886. The activity of insect on treatments was well matched but the decomposition rate differs. Spectrophotometric analysis of insect larvae collected from decomposing pigs revealed they had presence of lead. Insect larvae and microbes identified are good entomotoxicological tools in crimes associates with lead poisoning.

New records of &lt;i&gt;Fannia&lt;/i&gt; Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) collected on pig carrion in Portugal with additional data on the distribution of &lt;i&gt;F. conspecta&lt;/i&gt; Rudzinski, 2003

During a study of arthropod succession on pig carrion in Portugal eleven species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) were collected, of which F. aequilineata Ringdahl, F. armata (Meigen) and F. pusio (Wiedemann) are new records for Portugal, F. consepcta Rudzinski and F. lineata (Stein) are newly recorded for the whole Iberian Peninsula and F. tunisiae Chillcott is for the first time reported from the continental Europe. Additional information on the occurrence of F. conspecta in Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, and Southern Russia are presented. The number of Fanniidae distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula raises from 35 to 38 and the number of species reported from Portugal raises from 11 to 17.

Egg morphology of &lt;i&gt;Mydaea lateritia&lt;/i&gt; (Rondani, 1866) (Diptera: Muscidae)

Several specimens of Mydaea lateritia (Rondani, 1866) were collected during studies of arthropod succession on pig carrions in western Poland. This is the first record of this species in Poland and the northernmost occurrence of the species. Scanning electron microscopy documentation of egg morphology of M. lateritia is presented for the first time. Hexagonal chorionic network, foliate hatching pleats, short lateral respiratory horns, dorsomedian flange and median area with smooth hexagonal network and craters are described. The egg could be classified as Mydaea-type with short respiratory horns.

Decomposition of hanging pig carcasses in a forest habitat of Poland

We present the results of the first study on the decomposition of hanging carcasses in a forest habitat of Poland. The decomposition of 12 hanging pigs and 12 ground pigs, which were used as control, in spring, summer, and autumn was examined during a two-year study. Mosaic decomposition was observed with bloating, active decay, and advanced decay irrespective of the carrion treatment (hanging vs ground). Bloating was less visible or did not occur at all in hanging pigs. After undergoing advanced decay, carcasses became mummified and remained in the hanging position. Complete skeletonization was observed only within the head in one case in summer. Irrespective of the carrion treatment, the active decay was driven by the same blow fly species with a similar seasonal pattern of larval dominance. The season was found to affect the decomposition of the hanging carcasses as revealed by a distinct delay in the onset of bloating in autumn and the late onset of active decay in spring. The duration of active decay was the shortest in summer and the longest in autumn. The effect of carrion treatment on the rate of decomposition was statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, some differences in the duration of decomposition between hanging and ground pigs were observed. The most distinct difference was that earlier decomposition proceeded faster in hanging pigs in spring and a delayed decomposition was observed in autumn. In summer, decomposition was similar in all the carcasses. The presented results are largely in contrast to the findings of previous studies on decomposition of hanging pig carrion.

Wolf diet and livestock selection in central Greece

Abstract Understanding the feeding habits of wolves is essential for designing and implementing fundamental management processes across the range of the species. This is even more important within human-dominated areas, such as southern Europe, and more especially Greece. In this context, we analyzed 123 scat samples, collected between 2010 and 2012, from a mixed agricultural, forested and human-dominated area, centered on the municipality of Domokos in central continental Greece. We used standard laboratory procedures for scat analysis and calculated percentages of frequency of occurrence (FO%), average volume (AV%) and biomass index (BM%) to assess diet composition, and estimated prey selectivity. Domestic prey composed the bulk of wolf diet (FO%=73.5, AV%=84.8, BM%=97.2), wild ungulates were almost absent (FO%=0.5, AV%=0.8, BM%=1.2), whereas grass consumption was high in our area (FO%=19.5, AV%=11.0). The high dependence on livestock corroborates previous studies from Greece and other countries in southern Europe. Goat (FO%=46.0, AV%=61.2, BM%=64.9) was the main prey and was strongly selected, with sheep (FO%=11.5, AV%=9.0, BM%=11.2), pig carrion and cattle ranking behind (FO%=11.5, AV%=10.1, BM%=8.7 and FO%=4.5, AV%=4.5, BM%=12.4, respectively). No differences across seasons were detected, except from pig carrion, which increased during winter. The preference for goats is probably associated with its grazing behavior. High livestock consumption generally results in increased human-wolf conflict. Thus, substantial improvement of husbandry practices and restoration of wild ungulate populations are recommended to facilitate wolf-human coexistence in Greece.

Indirect Influence of African Swine Fever Outbreak on the Raven (Corvus corax) Population.

Simple SummaryThe persecution of ravens ceased in the middle of the 20th century, and consequently their abundance started to rise in most European countries. Ravens are food opportunists that can eat plants, prey on animals, and feed on garbage dumps. However, carrion plays a crucial role in their diet. In Central Poland, the carrion of farm animals (disposed of illegally) was thought to be the main food source for ravens. This changed radically in February 2014, after the first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Poland, and the introduction of strict procedures for the utilization of pig and wild boar carcasses to stop the spread of the virus. This decrease in carrion availability influenced the raven population; ravens changed their diet, i.e., instead of feeding on the carrion of pigs (previously their main dietary component), they ate (among others) the carrion of domestic dogs and cats, and also preyed on small vertebrates. Consequently, the number of breeding raven pairs decreased, and birds produced fewer fledglings. This research showed how certain human activities influence wildlife. The illegal disposal of dead animals, motivated by the desire to save money, resulted in abundant food sources for ravens and an increase in population size.Carrion plays a crucial role in the raven’s diet. In the past, domestic pig carrion was widely available in Poland. This changed with an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the introduction of strict procedures aimed at stopping the virus from spreading. We compared data from Central Poland (field and forest mosaic, study area of 105 km2) for two periods, i.e., before (2011–2014) and after the ASF outbreak (2015–2018). In breeding seasons, nests of ravens were found, juveniles were counted, and the time when juveniles left their nests was recorded. Diet composition data were based on pellet analysis and direct observations of feeding birds. The number of breeding pairs dropped from 12.3 to 7.5 in the second period. Breeding parameters were similar. However, birds in the second period had fewer fledglings per successful pair. Domestic pig carrion was found to be an important food item, and with its limited supply, ravens changed their diet, i.e., they fed on the carrion of dogs and cats or preyed on small vertebrates more often. Overall, our study points to a crucial role of the availability of the carrion of big farm animals (i.e., domestic pig) in maintaining the high density of breeding raven populations.

Gamasina Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) Associated with Animal Remains in the Mediterranean Region of Navarra (Northern Spain).

Mites should not be overlooked as a forensic tool, as many are commonly associated with decomposing animal matter and are closely associated with specific insect carriers and habitats. It is necessary to increase our understanding of the diversity of mites that are found in human and animal remains, their geographical distribution, and their population dynamics. This work is the first study of the role of mites in forensic science in the Mediterranean region of Navarra (northern Spain). Samples were taken using three types of traps (96 modified McPhail, 96 modified pitfall, and 32 carrion on surface) baited with pig carrion during the period between 11 April and 24 June, 2017. Insects were collected in 100% of the traps and only 27% of them contained mites. Information on 26 species of mites belonging to seven families, their ontogenetic phoretic stage/s, their abundance, and presence/absence during the spring season of the study is given. The most abundant species collected were Macrocheles merdarius, Poecilochirus austroasiaticus, and Poecilochirus subterraneus. We are contributing 16 new records for the Iberian Peninsula: seven species of Parasitidae, three species of Macrochelidae, four species of Eviphididae, one species of Halolaelapidae, and one species of Laelapidae.

Assessment of Entomological Remains from Soil Samples Collected from a Pig (Sus scrofa domestica) Carcass Decomposition Site after 13 Years

Carrion insects inhabiting the soil play an important role in forensic investigations because they may help to solve both active and cold cases. The aim of this study was to examine the entomofauna of forensic importance in soil samples removed after 13 years from a pig carrion decomposition site. Soil samples were collected from an old carrion decomposition study site in Bâla, the Ankara Province. Four holes, approximately 40 cm deep and 35 cm width were excavated at the study site. The samples were collected and placed in ventilated cups. Each cup was labeled mentioning the excavation location, time, date, and name of the collector. Insects and their remains found in the soil were collected by sweeping the soil from the specimens using a brush. The insects were morphologically identified. A total of 635 specimens of Calliphoridae, Dermestidae, Cleridae, Staphylinidae, Histeridae, and Formicidae were identified. Flies such as Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedmann, 1819), and beetles such as Dermestes frischii (Kugelan, 1792), Necrobia rufipes (De Geer, 1775), and Creophilus maxillosus (Linnaeus, 1758), were identified as the species. Our results show that soil samples still harbor entomological specimens after 13 years. This study, to the best of our knowledge, was the first of its kind in Turkey. Forensically, important insects and their remains may be identified in the soil long time after the corpse is buried. Consequently, cold cases may be solved using insects.