Insect succession on dog (Canis lupus familiaris L.) carcasses in Samsun province, Turkey

Abstract :

This field study was carried out succession of insect in the Taflan at Samsun province (Turkey) in the period from June 2009 to May 2010 by using dog (Canis lupus familiaris L.) carcasses as a human model. Eight dog carcasses (20–35 kg) were employed in this field in four seasons. The aim of this study was to determine the forensically significant insect succession and seasonal distribution in Samsun province. In our study five decomposition stages were observed (fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay, dry). The carcasses decomposed more rapidly in summer and autumn but carcasses decayed slowly in winter and spring. Carcasses attracted 25 species of insect in our study. During this period, a lot of insects belonging to the following orders and families were collected: Diptera: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae; Coloeptera: Staphylinidae, Histeridae, Dermesitidae, Cleridae, Nitidulidae, Silphidae. In spring and autumn carcasses attracted a more different community of insects than winter-placed carrion. No Coloepter species were collected in the winter. Insect fauna and its seasonal differences in Samsun on dog carcasses were reported for the first time in this study, strengthening the need of further experiments in different regions of Turkey in order to forensic practice


Keyword :

Forensic entomology, Insect succession, Decomposition, Turkey


Author(s) : Kökdener, M., Polat, E.
Downloads : 1899
Published Issue : 2014 Vol. 9 Number 2


2014 Vol. 9 Number 2