Influence of Clothing on Decomposition and Presence of Insects on Rabbit Carcasses

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 921-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf M Mashaly ◽  
Ahmed Mahmoud ◽  
Hossam Ebaid
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Decay Process ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Dermestes Maculatus ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Insect Attraction ◽  
Decomposition Stages ◽  
Insect Activity

Abstract The decomposition rate and insects attraction to carcasses are affected by a number of factors such as temperature, body mass, the presence of poisons, humidity, and insect activity. The present study was planned to investigate the influence of clothing on both the decomposition process and the presence of insects on rabbit carcasses. The study was performed in May 2016 and involved the use of 18 live mature rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), which were euthanized by chloroform. Rabbit carcasses were divided into three replicates with six rabbits in each replicate. Rabbits in each replicate were further subdivided, so that three rabbits were wrapped with cloth, whereas the remaining three were left unclothed. Both clothed and unclothed carcasses reached the dry stage within 6 d. The results of this study showed that clothes neither affect the decomposition process nor the presence of insects (flies and beetles). The pattern of flies and beetles, however, did vary significantly in the different decomposition stages. In total, 2,849 insects, including 2,459 flies and 390 beetles, were collected and sorted during the decomposition process. Among the dominant species, flies were assigned to the families Calliphoridae and Muscidae, whereas beetles were assigned to the families Dermestidae and Histeridae. Lucilia sericata Meigen, Musca domestica L., Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, and Saprinus moyses Marseul were the most abundant species occurring on both the clothed and unclothed carcasses. In conclusion, this study emphasized that, the clothes have no effect when dealing with decay process and insect attraction to the carrions.

Relative Insect Frequency and Species Richness on Sun-Exposed and Shaded Rabbit Carrions

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 1006-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Mashaly ◽  
Ahmed Mahmoud ◽  
Hossam Ebaid
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Time Since Death ◽  
Insect Communities ◽  
Open Habitat ◽  
Elapsed Time ◽  
Decomposition Stages

Abstract On rabbit carcasses (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) exposed in open and shaded habitats, the relative abundance of insects and species richness were observed. The decomposition process was classified into four stages: fresh, bloated, decayed, and dry. Except for the decayed stage, the elapsed time for each stage of decomposition was similar between open and shaded habitats, with all carcasses reaching dryness in 13 and 14 d, respectively. In total, 2009 insects were collected during the decomposition process with 1,863 flies belonging to seven families and 15 species, and 146 beetles belonging to six species and three families. Insect abundances rose between the fresh and decay stages. The dominant families of insects included Calliphoridae and Muscidae (80.9% of the collected insects) and accounting for 38.07% of the species richness, whereas Histeridae accounted for 4.3% of the collected insects and 14.29% of the species richness. The open habitat attracted 1,233 insects belonging to 18 families, including 1,142 flies and 91 beetles, whereas the shaded habitat attracted 776 insects belonging to 18 families, including 721 flies and 55 beetles. Diversity level and ratios of exclusive species are also reported for each habitat (open 61.4%; shaded 38.6%). Between habitats, there were substantially separate insect communities, however. In addition, there was a substantial difference in the insect number and species between decomposition stages. This study demonstrates that the exposure status needs to be evaluated and examined when estimating the time since death.

Effect of extremely severe winters on under-ice phytoplankton development in a mesotrophic lake (Eastern Poland)

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Władysława Wojciechowska ◽  
Tomasz Lenard
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Biomass Concentration ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Ice Cover ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Blue Green Algae ◽  
Cyanobacteria And Algae ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

AbstractThe research was carried out in a mesotrophic and dimictic lake during winters with ice cover. In the last forty years, the development of phytoplankton was analyzed in five extreme winter seasons. The studies of phytoplankton characteristics in the water column took into account values of biomass, concentration of chlorophyll-a and species composition, including dominant species. Differences in the vertical distribution of flagellate and non-flagellate species belonging to cyanobacteria and algae were analyzed in the gradient of light and thermal conditions. The phytoplankton biomass was low and vertically differentiated, with the lowest values at the deeper part of the water column. Flagellate species from the group of Cryptophyceae, Chrysophyceae and Dinophyceae were most abundant. Species biodiversity was low but every winter the dominant species represented different taxonomic groups. In some periods, larger non-motile phytoplankton species from green or blue-green algae dominated. The research proved that the development of phytoplankton under the ice cover was limited mainly by light and, to a lesser extent, by temperature.

scholarly journals Fish assemblages in a tidal flat

2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lúcia Vendel ◽  
Sabine Granado Lopes ◽  
César Santos ◽  
Henry Louis Spach
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
Tidal Flat ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Structure Index ◽  
Total Capture

Studies were carried out on fish assemblages in a tidal flat. Samples were obtained monthly at low tide of the half moon in the tidal flat of Paranaguá Bay, Brazil, with two seine nets, one with a 1 mm mesh, 30 m in length and 3 m in height and another with a 10 mm mesh, 65 m in length and 2 m in height. A total of 8,890 fish were captured, comprising 24 families and 53 species. The most abundant species were Harengula clupeola and Atherinella brasiliensis, which represented 63.4% of the total, capture. A seasonal tendency was observed in the abundance of fishes, with less fishes being captured during winter and part of spring. The number of species showed a seasonal pattern, with the gradual decrease through winter and a marked increase in summer. The community structure index indicated seasonal changes in the assemblage. The faunistic similarities between months separated the 12 months into four major groups. The seasonal pattern was apparent in the numerically dominant species and the Cluster Analysis revealed five main groups.

The Colonization of Necrophagous Larvae Accelerates the Decomposition of Chicken Carcass and the Emission of Volatile Attractants for Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 1590-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yensy María Recinos-Aguilar ◽  
Maria Dolores García-García ◽  
Edi A Malo ◽  
Leopoldo Cruz-López ◽  
Julio C Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Dimethyl Disulfide ◽  
Sulfur Compounds ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Cochliomyia Macellaria ◽  
Chicken Carcass ◽  
Volatile Attractants ◽  
Tissue Degradation ◽  
Decomposition Stages ◽  
Abiotic And Biotic Factors

AbstractThe decomposition of a living being involves a series of changes produced by a number of interacting abiotic and biotic factors. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the colonization of blowflies on the decomposition of chicken carcasses and on the emission of sulfur compounds. The loss of the mass of carcasses and the release rate of sulfur compounds were compared for 30 d in chicken carcasses with and without blowflies in field conditions. The tissue degradation was slower in the carcasses without insects compared to those colonized by blowflies. The decomposition stages of fresh, bloated, active decay, and advanced decay were observed in the carcasses without flies; while the decomposition stages of fresh, active decay, advanced decay, and dry remains were identified in carcasses with flies. Two sulfur compounds, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, were present during the entire decomposition process. The emission of these compounds is not directly associated with the presence of the blowflies’ immature stages during the whole decomposition process. However, in cadavers with insects, the highest emission of both compounds occurred in day 2, while in cadavers without insects, the peak of emission was observed in day 4. In addition, the presence of the larval stages I and II of Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) matched with the peak of emission of both compounds.

Seasonal variation in population and community structure of shrews in a tropical forest of Gabon

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violaine Nicolas ◽  
Patrick Barrière ◽  
Marc Colyn
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Reproductive Phenology ◽  
Ecological Constraints ◽  
Species Dominance ◽  
Composition Structure ◽  
Over Time

The composition, structure and reproductive phenology of a shrew community were investigated for 1 y at two neighbouring sites in an undisturbed African forest of south-western Gabon. We captured 717 shrews, belonging to four genera and 10 species. The data were analysed to answer three main questions: (1) to what extent does the shrew abundance vary seasonally? (2) is there a shift in species dominance over time? and (3) does the intensity of breeding activity vary seasonally? The number of species captured varied seasonally and tended to be least during the period of minimal trap success. Trap success for the four most abundant species (Sylvisorex johnstoni, Crocidura batesi, Paracrocidura schoutedeni and Sylvisorex ollula) varied seasonally with a minimum around the long dry season. Sylvisorex johnstoni remained the dominant species throughout the year. Seasonal variation in trap success of shrews might be related, at least partly, to their reproductive characteristics. Litter size, based on embryo counts, ranged from 1–4 among the species. Breeding occurred throughout the year, but its intensity was lower during the long dry season corresponding with the period of higher ecological constraints for shrews.

scholarly journals Beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) associated with pig carcasses exposed in a Caatinga area, Northeastern Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 649-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
WE Santos ◽  
ACF Alves ◽  
AJ Creão-Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Dermestes Maculatus ◽  
Pig Carcasses ◽  
Stelidota Geminata

The species richness, abundance and seasonality of Coleoptera fauna associated with pig carcasses exposed in a Caatinga area were examined. Tray, pitfall and modified Shannon traps were settled together to collect these insects during two seasons (dry and rainy). 4,851 beetles were collected, belonging to 19 families and 88 species. Staphylinidae (2,184) and Histeridae (1,264) were the most abundant families and accounted for 71.1% of the specimens collected. Scarabaeidae (15) showed the highest species richness. The most abundant species were Atheta iheringi Bernhauer, 1908 (Staphylinidae) (1,685), Euspilotus sp. (Histeridae) (461), Stelidota geminata (Say, 1825) (Nitidulidae) (394), Xerosaprinus diptychus(Marseul, 1855) (Histeridae) (331) and Dermestes maculatus De Geer, 1774 (Dermestidae). Amongst these species, X. diptychus showed to be strongly influenced by seasonality, since 96.1% of the specimens were collected during the dry season.

scholarly journals Natural Seedling Recruitment and Regeneration in Deforested and Sand-Filled Mangrove Forest at Eagle Island, Niger Delta Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aroloye O. Numbere
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Mangrove Forest ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Natural Seedling ◽  
Soil Microbial Population

Seed recruitment is a major driver of mangrove restoration globally. It is hypothesized that soil condition and channel hydrology can accelerate seedling recruitment and regeneration after a major disturbance. Species abundance, diversity indices, microbial and chemical concentrations in sand-filled mangrove forest was studied. Eight plots (area = 3902.16 m2) were established with ten transects in each plot in a random block design to investigate the effect of soil conditions on seedling growth. A total of 1, 886 seedlings were physically counted. Seedling abundance was significantly different between red (Rizophora racemosa), white (Laguncularia racemosa) and black (Avicennia germinans) mangroves and nypa palm (nypa fruticans). The most dominant species was black mangroves and the least dominant species was nypa palm. Muddy soils had the most abundant species while sandy soils had the least abundant species. Furthermore, semi-muddy soils had the highest species diversity (H = 0.948) whereas muddy soils had the least species diversity (H = 0.022). The soil metal concentration has no correlation with seed abundance and occur in the order Iron>Nitrate>Copper>Cadmium. Soil with high species diversity had high soil microbial population; however, seedling abundance was correlated with soil nutrients and not heavy metals. Small seeds are easily recruited while good soil condition plus existing hydrological connection facilitated natural seedling regeneration in the disturbed mangrove forest.

Seasonal Dynamics of Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae, Ceratophyllidae and Leptopsyllidae) on Oryctolagus cuniculus in a Meso-Mediterranean Area of Central Spain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M G González ◽  
J González ◽  
F Valcárcel ◽  
M Sánchez ◽  
J M Tercero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Dynamics ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Flea Species ◽  
Central Spain

Abstract Flea infestations of wild rabbits were examined monthly in central Spain in a meso-Mediterranean area for 5 yr. A total of 1,180 wild rabbits were trapped and 7,022 fleas were collected from them. Overall, the prevalence was 74.1% with a mean flea index of 5.95 fleas per rabbit. Four flea species were identified: Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale, 1878) was the most abundant species (accounting for 74.3% of fleas collected) followed by Xenopsylla cunicularis (Smit, 1957), Odontopsyllus quirosi (Gil Collado, 1934), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, 1800) (18.9, 6.7, and 0.1%, respectively). The highest prevalence was observed in S. cuniculi (48.6%) followed by X. cunicularis, O. quirosi, and N. fasciatus (34.3, 20.0, and 0.6%, respectively). Odontopsyllus quirosi and S. cuniculi were mainly collected from autumn to spring with the peak of infestation in winter, while X. cunicularis was mainly found from spring to autumn with maximum levels of infestation during the summer months. The relevance of these findings is discussed.

Variation of insect succession in summer on decomposing rabbit carrions treated with aluminum phosphide in Beheira governorate, Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-102
Author(s):  
Lamia M. El-Samad ◽  
Hussein K. Hussein ◽  
Noura A. Toto ◽  
Doaa M. Mahmoud ◽  
Eman H. Radwan
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Aluminum Phosphide ◽  
Urban City ◽  
Arthropod Fauna ◽  
Future Case

The present study aimed to record the arthropod fauna of medico-legal importance in an urban city: El Delengat, Beheira governorate, Egypt, by studying the succession of insects and the duration of the decomposition of rabbit carrions injected with Aluminum phosphide (AlP). In our study the total of twelve male rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus L, each weighing 1,25 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in summer. Three replicate experiments were conducted, for each experiment, 3 rabbits were administered intragastrically dosages of 27.4 mg, 13.7 mg, 54.8 mg of aluminum phosphide by body weight representing LD50, ½ LD50, 2 LD50, respectively. The fourth rabbit was used as a control, injected by saline solution. The recorded entomofauna was denoted in 5 orders, 12 families, and 17 genera and species. Necrophagous arthropods that colonized rabbit carrions were substantially of Diptera and Coleoptera orders. Calliphorid insects was the foremost family that colonizing the different carrions. AlP appeared to delay the decomposition process in ½ LD50 and 2 LD50 carrions. These results are the primary record of the arthropod successive pattern on aluminum phosphide remains, it will provide useful data in any future case studies involving AlP intoxication.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil rotifers in a South-Bohemian beech forest

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 1027-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miloslav Devetter
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Profile ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Beech Forest ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Fresh Litter ◽  
South Bohemia

The objective of this work was to determine seasonal variation and vertical distribution of the soil rotifer assemblage in a climax beech forest in South Bohemia. During 2005, soil rotifer was investigated to the species level. Soil samples of 10 cm² and 10 cm in depth were divided into five layers, which were processed separately. Thirty one rotifer species were identified during the investigation. Dominant species significantly changed throughout the seasons. The most abundant species were Encentrum arvicola and Wierzejskiella vagneri among the monogononts, and Adineta steineri, Ceratotrocha cornigera, Habrotrocha filum, Habrotrocha ligula, Macrotrachela plicata, Mniobia tentans, Mniobia incrassata and Mniobia granulosa among the bdelloids. Mean Shannon diversity index varied from 1.99 to 2.63. Total rotifer abundance varied from 212±63 to 513±127 10³ individuals m-2 along the year, with the highest numbers found in May, and the lowest in July. The great part of the community was concentrated in the upper (fresh litter) and second (partially decomposed litter) layers and significantly decreased in the soil vertical profile on all sampling dates. The highest rotifer density of 43 individuals g-1 was found in the upper layer in May.

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