Comparing Carcass Decomposition Process and Insect Fauna in Summer and Winter in South Korea for Forensic Entomology
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초록
Various flies and beetles have been found decomposing corpses. These can be useful indicators in forensic entomology. In Korea, forensic entomological research is mainly conducted in the spring, summer, and fall. No studies have been conducted in winter. Therefore, we concluded that a comparative experiment is necessary. In this study, we compared the number of decomposition days and insect fauna found in water deer (Hydropotes inermis) carcasses between summer and winter in 2021 and 2022. Carcasses were placed in wire mesh cages to prevent the intrusion of wild animals. A time-lapse camera was installed to observe the decomposition process of the carcass, and insects found in the corpse were collected to confirm the seasonal insect fauna. Seasonal temperature-dependent changes in humidity were recorded. We found that winter carcasses decomposed longer than summer carcasses, and confirmed differences in their decomposition processes. We confirmed that different species of insects appeared first in summer and winter and identified differences in insects by season. Among the flies attracted to the carcasses, Lucilia and Calliphora were first identified in summer and winter, respectively. In addition, we confirmed that flies were attracted first during summer, and beetles were attracted first during winter. This highlights the need for field reconstruction to identify beetles during winter. Therefore, the indicator species to be applied in forensic entomology should vary depending on seasonal differences in temperature and humidity.
Abstract
Various flies and beetles have been found decomposing corpses. These can be useful indicators in forensic entomology. In Korea, forensic entomological research is mainly conducted in the spring, summer, and fall. No studies have been conducted in winter. Therefore, we concluded that a comparative experiment is necessary. In this study, we compared the number of decomposition days and insect fauna found in water deer (Hydropotes inermis) carcasses between summer and winter in 2021 and 2022. Carcasses were placed in wire mesh cages to prevent the intrusion of wild animals. A time-lapse camera was installed to observe the decomposition process of the carcass, and insects found in the corpse were collected to confirm the seasonal insect fauna. Seasonal temperature-dependent changes in humidity were recorded. We found that winter carcasses decomposed longer than summer carcasses, and confirmed differences in their decomposition processes. We confirmed that different species of insects appeared first in summer and winter and identified differences in insects by season. Among the flies attracted to the carcasses, Lucilia and Calliphora were first identified in summer and winter, respectively. In addition, we confirmed that flies were attracted first during summer, and beetles were attracted first during winter. This highlights the need for field reconstruction to identify beetles during winter. Therefore, the indicator species to be applied in forensic entomology should vary depending on seasonal differences in temperature and humidity.