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Diversity, succession pattern and colonization of forensic entomofauna on indoor rat carrions concerning the manner of death

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Abstract

A carrion-related arthropod database is important for each locality especially temperate ecosystems. The present study aims to document baseline data about the decomposition process of indoor rat carrions and the diversity and succession pattern of the forensically important arthropods fauna that colonize these carrions. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four experimental rat models, killed by cervical dislocation, electric shock, drowning or slaughtering. The orders Diptera and Coleoptera were the main necrophagous arthropods that supported the decomposition process. Calliphoridae was the first insect family that colonized the carrions and lasted till the beginning of the dry decay stage. The succession pattern and the abundance of associated arthropods did not differ between control and drowning group. In the control and drowning groups, the insects of the order Diptera predominated the overall insect fauna (57.14%) followed by Coleoptera (42.85%), while their proportions were 50–50% in the electrocuted group. The slaughtered group showed 50, 42.85, and 7.14% for Diptera, Coleopteran, and Hymenoptera, respectively. This study submitted additional information in the context of forensic entomology, and provides a reference for the succession pattern and its influence on the decomposition process in the summer season in Egypt.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt

    Mayada R. Farag, Walaa M. Elhady & Samah R. Khalil

  2. Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt

    Reham G. A. Anter & Eman A. A. Hassanen

  3. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897, Egypt

    Shimaa M. Abou-Zeid

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  1. Mayada R. Farag
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Farag, M.R., Anter, R.G.A., Elhady, W.M. et al. Diversity, succession pattern and colonization of forensic entomofauna on indoor rat carrions concerning the manner of death. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei 32, 521–538 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-021-01009-w

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