Active Search on Carcasses versus Pitfall Traps: a Comparison of Sampling Methods

Area of Science:

• Forensic Entomology
• Carrion Ecology
• Arthropod Taxonomy

Background:

• Insect succession on cadavers is typically studied using caged carcasses.
• Pitfall traps offer an alternative sampling method, but are underutilized in large vertebrate carrion studies.
• Few studies compare active carcass searching with pitfall trapping for coleopteran families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare active search on carcasses versus pitfall trapping for coleopteran families.
• To identify discrepancies (underestimation/overestimation) in family presence between methods.
• To provide data-driven recommendations for optimal sampling techniques in forensic entomology.

Main Methods:

• Carcasses were sampled using active searching.
• Pitfall traps were deployed concurrently with carcass decomposition.
• Coleopteran families were identified and quantified from both sampling methods.

Main Results:

• Significant discrepancies in family abundance were observed between active search and pitfall trap samples.
• Some coleopteran families were consistently over or underestimated by each method.
• Two families showed no significant bias towards either sampling technique.

Conclusions:

• Combining active carcass searching and pitfall trapping is essential for comprehensive data collection in carrion ecology.
• Methodological biases can lead to under or overestimation of specific coleopteran families.
• Understanding these biases informs more effective sampling strategies for forensic investigations.