Preliminary Study on the Visitation Pattern of Insect Fauna Associated with Pig Carcasses Exposed in Restinga Environments in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The distribution of necrophagous insects remains poorly studied in the Northeast region of Brazil, although Forensic Entomology research has advanced in recent decades. Gaps in surveys within Restinga environments compromise the use of insects in this phytophysiognomy, commonly found in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, particularly considering that assemblages change according to the environment. In this context, aiming to expand knowledge within the scope of Forensic Entomology, the present study aimed to evaluate the visitation and colonization patterns of insects on pig carcasses in a Restinga environment in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Insects were sampled from pig carcasses (10kg each) exposed at the station, with collections at two sampling points, approximately one kilometer apart. Throughout the study, a total of 5,438 adult and immature specimens were collected, distributed in two orders, Diptera and Coleoptera, and nine families. Calliphoridae was the most representative family in the study, both in abundance and species richness. Regarding the decomposition stages, the fresh stage was rapid and lasted less than one day, while the bloated stage lasted one and a half days, the decay stage, seven and a half days, and the dry/mummification stage, three days. The study showed that in Restinga environments, the visitation and colonization pattern of carcasses was rapid and influenced by environmental conditions, with dipterans and beetles being frequent entomological traces.

Keywords

Calliphoridae
Coleoptera
Insetos necrófagos
Decomposição
Calliphoridae
Coleoptera
Necrophagous Insects
Decomposition
Calliphoridae
Coleoptera
Insectos Necrófagos
Descomposición

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