Forensic and ecological significance of necrophagous insects: Insights from animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients

Abstract

Necrophagous insects, including flies and beetles, play pivotal roles in decomposition, ecology, and forensics. Their diversity and activities vary across environments, necessitating comprehensive studies for understanding and management. The aim of the study is to investigate insect infestation on animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients to enhance ecological, forensic, and medical entomological understanding, aiding in ecosystem management, forensic investigations, and disease control. Various species of flies and beetles were found associated with animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients, as indicated by the comprehensive study. On animal carcasses, notable fly species included Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and Sarcophaga sp., while beetles such as Dermestes maculatus (De Geer, 1774), Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781), Saprinus quadrigatattus (Fabricius, 1798), Saprinus splendens (Paykull, 1811), Saprinus optabilis (Marseul, 1855), Saprinus chalcites (Iliger, 1807), and Omorgus sp. (Erichson, 1847) were also observed. Similarly, human cadavers exhibited a presence of flies like Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sarcophaga dux (Thomson, 1869). In cases of myiasis patients, flies including Chrysomya megacephala, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), and Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve, 1914) were identified. These findings underscore the diverse range of insect species involved in carcass decomposition, forensic investigations, and medical entomology, illustrating their crucial roles in ecological processes, forensic assessments, and disease management.

Keywords: Abandoned animal carcasses; Coleoptera; Diptera; Post-Mortem House.