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Published on: November 1, 2017
Insect succession patterns on pig carrion in southern Nigeria
Izuchukwu Stanley Etoniru1, Desiré Brits2, Jolandie Myburgh3
1Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. izueto.ie@gmail.com.
Forensic entomologists can estimate post-mortem intervals using insect succession on decomposing remains. This study establishes baseline arthropod succession patterns in Nigerian pig carcasses to improve accuracy, especially in regions with unidentified human remains.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Entomology
- Ecological Succession
- Decomposition Studies
Background:
- Estimating post-mortem intervals (PMI) is crucial in forensic investigations, particularly with unidentified human remains.
- Carrion insect succession patterns are vital for PMI estimation, but localized data is often lacking.
- Nigeria's ongoing conflict presents challenges in managing unidentified remains and necessitates local forensic methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline arthropod succession data in southern Nigeria for improved post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation.
- To describe seasonal variations in arthropod communities colonizing decomposing pig carcasses.
- To provide a locally relevant reference for forensic entomologists in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- Twenty pig carcasses (10 per season) were used to observe and collect arthropods over 14 months.
- Arthropod life stages were collected, and their appearance, activity, and disappearance were recorded.
- Data was correlated with decomposition stages to define succession patterns for wet and dry seasons.
Main Results:
- A total of 16 arthropod families across three classes and six orders were identified.
- Musca domestica and Chrysomya marginalis were among the first colonizers, arriving within 10 minutes.
- The wet season showed higher arthropod abundance and species richness, with Hermetia illucens exclusively present.
Conclusions:
- Observed arthropod succession patterns provide a valuable reference for forensic scientists in Nigeria.
- Seasonal arthropod presence, like Hermetia illucens in the wet season, can help determine the season of death.
- This study offers a foundation for more accurate PMI estimations using locally derived forensic entomological data.
