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

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3a) ◽  
pp. 8-19
Author(s):  
BN Iloba ◽  
PE Odo

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.

2020 ◽  
Vol 116 (5/6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danisile Tembe ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa

The use of forensic entomology is well established in the northern hemisphere, but is still emerging in the southern hemisphere, where most of the current research is not explicitly undertaken in the context of forensics. In this review, we provide an update on the current status of forensic entomology research and its application in relation to estimation of post-mortem interval in various criminal investigations ranging from murder cases, cases of human neglect and the poaching of wildlife in southern Africa, among other issues. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost databases. The studies reviewed were focused on arthropod diversity during different stages of carcass decomposition, effect of seasons on the abundance and diversity of carrion feeding arthropod species during carcass decomposition, and diurnal and nocturnal oviposition of forensically important insect species during carcass decomposition. It was further observed that arthropod species that established on a decomposing carcass are potentially useful in the estimation of post-mortem interval and determining clues in cases of criminal investigations. The review confirmed the paucity of research in forensic entomology, and its application in southern Africa. Future studies on the research and application of forensic entomology in various criminal investigation scenarios – such as murder cases, human neglect, and wildlife poaching in southern Africa – are therefore needed. Significance: • Forensic entomology research and its application is lagging in southern Africa. • There is seasonal variation in the arthropod species used for estimation of post-mortem intervals in southern Africa. • Identification of arthropod species diversity in the region has potential for application in forensic investigations.


Entomologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Calzolari ◽  
F. Defilippo ◽  
G. Zani ◽  
M. Colombo ◽  
M. Dottori

This study presents a checklist of Dipterans and Coleopterans accountable for carrion decay in the Po Valley (Italy), a contribution to the Forensic Entomology knowledge in Italy. Insects colonizing two pig carcasses in an agricultural area in Mezzani municipality (Parma, Northern Italy) were sampled by pitfall traps and original Malaise-like traps, which allowed the sampling of a very relevant number of flying insects. A checklist of 57 taxa was obtained, of which 26 were considered of forensic importance. For the latter the arrival time of adult specimens on the carcasses was recorded, as an important parameter in minimum post mortem interval estimation. Dipterans (6141 specimens) were the most common insects; the fastest specimens to detect and colonize the carcass belonged to the Calliphoridae family, while Fanniidae and Muscidae infested the carrion until completion of the skeletal stage. Coleopterans appeared later (308 adult specimens and 114 larvae were captured). Staphylinidae, Dermestidae, and Histeridae were the most common coleopterans sampled in this study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Ichsan luqmana Indra Putra ◽  
Tasya Aulia Putri ◽  
Haris Setiawan

The conversion of land functions can result in a decrease of environmental quality, which can reduce the diversity of butterflies. This study aimed to determine the diversity level and to find the most abundant and less abundant butterfly species around campus 4 UAD. The sampling was done at campus area, vacant land, rice fields and housing sites. Each of these sites had 2 plots and consisted of 5 subplots, respectively. Sampling was carried out four times, which was done in the morning at 08.00 - 11.00 and in the afternoon at 15.00 - 17.00. Butterflies caught using a sweep net. The data were analyzed by inferential analysis, namely Pearson correlation test. The calculation of the diversity level of butterflies was carried out by calculating the importance value index, the diversity Shannon-Wiener index, and the Simpson dominance index. The results showed that the diversity level of Shannon Wiener index of butterflies around the campus 4 UAD showed a low level (0.67). The species of butterflies found around campus 4 UAD were Acraea violae, Aphrissa statira, Appias libythea, Appias olferna, Catopsilia pyranthe, Catopsilia Scylla, Danaus Chrysippus, Elymnias hypermnestra, Junonia almana, and Junonia atlites. The most abundant butterfly was C. pyranthe with 125 individuals whereas the least abundant was A. libythea with 1 individual. This suggested that the ecosystem around campus 4 UAD is disturbed category; causing instability of the diversity that exists, including butterflies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
I KETUT GINANTRA ◽  
I KETUT MUKSIN ◽  
IDA BAGUS MADE SUASKARA ◽  
MARTIN JONI

Abstract. Ginantra IK, Muksin IK, Suaskara IBM, Joni M. 2020. Diversity and distribution of mollusks at three zones of mangrove in Pejarakan, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4636-4643. The diversity of mangrove species in mangrove zonations on the coast of Pejarakan plays an important role in the existence of faunal diversity, including those from mollusks. Mollusks are the dominant phylum associated with mangrove habitats, in addition to the species of the Crustacean subphylum. This research aimed to determine the diversity of mollusks and their distribution patterns in three mangrove zones in Pejarakan, Buleleng District, Bali Province, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted by establishing sampling plots across three mangrove zones, i.e. seaward zone, middle zone, and landward zone. There were 23 sampling plots in total with size of each plot was 1x1m. The species and number of individuals of each species of mollusks were recorded in each quadrat plot. The diversity of mollusks was calculated using the Shannon-Wiener index, evenness index, and dominance index, while the pattern of distribution of mollusks was measured using the Morisita index. The results of the study found 27 species of mollusks, consisting of 19 species from Gastropods group, 7 species from Bivalvia group and 1 species from Polyplacophora (chiton). The seaward zone showed the highest species diversity, while the landward zone had the lowest. Terebralia palustris had the highest abundance with 217 individuals/m2 and was distributed in the three mangrove zones. Planaxis sulcatus showed the highest abundance (87 ind./m2) in the seaward zone, and Telescopium telescopium showed a fairly high abundance and were distributed in the mid zone and the landward zone. In general, mollusks in the mangrove area of Pejarakan was distributed in a group/clustered pattern. The data from this research can serve as a reference in mangrove forest conservation efforts and mangrove forest used for ecotourism.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Sucipto Hariyanto ◽  
Akhmad Kharish Fahmi ◽  
Thin Soedarti ◽  
Emy Endah Suwarni

Ecotourism development program at Bama beaches area require baseline data of mangrove structure at Bama Resort and in the past two decades has been lost about 35% area of mangrove forest in Indonesia and in the worldThe aims of this study was to find structure, composition, distribution and zonation patterns of mangroves at Bama Resort Baluran Nasional Park. Ten belt-transects were laid perpendicular to the shoreline, using standard methods. Vegetation structure was determined using data collected on plant species diversity, density, basal area, and the number of each species of mangroves. Shannon Wiener index to calculated diversity, evennes and Simpson to calculated dominance index. The results show there are 2 families and 6 mangrove species occurring in the study areas that is Rhizophoraceae (Rhizophora stylosa, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Ceriops tagal) and Araceae (Nypa fruticans). The highest importance value was R. apiculata (229.90%) for trees, R. apiculata (148.69%) for the sapling, and R. apiculata (244.83%) for the seedling. The diversity (H) and dominance index (C) values were moderate (1.79) and 0.521. The most dominant species was R. apiculata (C=0.487). The mangrove zonation pattern from coastline to the mainland was R. stylosa, R. mucronata, and R. apiculata, in the outer zone, respectively (zone directly adjacent to the sea); B. gymnorrhiza and C. tagal in the middle zone; and N. fruticans in the zone that adjacent to the mainland. The present study will aid in the conduct and preservation planning of mangrove forest especially at Bama coast and generally in the coastal areas of Indonesia.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 314
Author(s):  
Szymon Matuszewski

During death investigations insects are used mostly to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). These estimates are only as good as they are close to the true PMI. Therefore, the major challenge for forensic entomology is to reduce the estimation inaccuracy. Here, I review literature in this field to identify research areas that may contribute to the increase in the accuracy of PMI estimation. I conclude that research on the development and succession of carrion insects, thermogenesis in aggregations of their larvae and error rates of the PMI estimation protocols should be prioritized. Challenges of educational and promotional nature are discussed as well, particularly in relation to the collection of insect evidence.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 294
Author(s):  
Senta Niederegger ◽  
Gita Mall

Skeletonization is often perceived as an indicator of long post-mortem intervals. The finding of feeding larvae of first colonizers, on the other hand, indicates days. We present a case in which both findings were present. Larvae of Phormia regina, aged 9 days, and skeletonization of the head and part of the thorax were both found on an unidentified female body. Identification of dentures eventually led to resolution of the case and a confession, which settled the seeming contradiction in favor of forensic entomology.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Jakubec

Necrophagous beetles are underrepresented in forensic entomology studies despite their undeniable utility for the field. In the present article, information is presented regarding the developmental biology and instar determination ofSciodrepoides watsoni(Spence, 1813), a very common species occurring across the Holarctic region. Wild collected beetles were kept in climate chambers at constant temperature (12, 15, 18, 21 and 28 °C) and their development was regularly documented. Parameters of thermal summation models and standard errors were calculated for each developmental stage. These models may be used for an estimation of post-mortem interval in legal investigations after further validation on local populations ofS. watsoni. An additional methodology is introduced for future studies of size-based characteristics, addressing instar identification bias. The methodology provided estimations (mean, standard error and standard deviation) ofS. watsonilarval head capsule width for preliminary larval instar determination. The methodology may be used with other morphological features to improve instar determination accuracy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document