Developmental time pattern of Thanatophilus sinuatus at different constant and variable temperatures

Area of Science:

• Forensic Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Thanatophilus sinuatus is a forensically important beetle found on carcasses.
• Existing developmental data is limited to small-group conditions and lacks variable temperature studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental duration and accumulated degree days (ADD) of T. sinuatus under aggregate feeding conditions.
• To analyze development at constant and variable temperatures (16–34°C).
• To establish models for estimating postmortem interval (PMI).

Main Methods:

• Aggregate rearing of T. sinuatus at seven constant and three variable temperatures.
• Recording developmental duration, accumulated degree days (ADD), and survival rates.
• Measuring body length, head capsule width, and mesonotum width for instar identification.
• Developing isomorphen diagrams, thermal summation models, and survival curves.

Main Results:

• Detailed developmental durations and ADD for each stage were recorded under various temperature conditions.
• Morphometric data (body length, head capsule width, mesonotum width) were analyzed to differentiate instars.
• Survival rates across developmental stages were calculated.
• Established linear and curvilinear models for predicting development.

Conclusions:

• This study provides comprehensive developmental data for T. sinuatus under aggregate feeding and variable temperatures.
• The developed models enhance the accuracy of postmortem interval (PMI) estimation.
• Findings are critical for forensic entomology investigations involving this species.