Succession Patterns and Species Composition of Forensically Important Insects During Animal Decomposition in Ardabil, Northwest Iran

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
S. Asghari Jajin 1
S. Z. Parkhideh 2
K. Akbarzadeh 1
E. Moradi-Asl 3
S. Rafizadeh 4
Y. Rassi 5
1 Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
3 Arthropod-Borne Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
4 Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranArthropod-Borne Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
10.48311/mjms.2025.19544
Abstract
Background and Aim: Accurate estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) is a critical aspect of forensic investigations. Forensic entomology, which studies insect colonization and development on decomposing remains, contributes significantly to PMI determination. This study aimed to explore the succession patterns and species composition of insects of forensic importance during carcass decomposition in Ardabil City, northwest Iran.

Methods: Over one year (autumn 2021 to summer 2022), rabbit carcasses were used as decomposition models across different seasons. Adult and immature insects were collected daily throughout the five recognized decomposition stages. Collected specimens were preserved, mounted, and identified using standard entomological keys. Seasonal diversity and species abundance were assessed using the Shannon-Wiener index, while inter-seasonal similarities were measured with the Jaccard index.

Results: Twenty insect species were identified, with Diptera predominating in the early decomposition stages. The highest species richness (18 species) and diversity occurred in summer, where Lucilia sericata and other Calliphoridae were most common. Spring followed with 16 species, also dominated by L. sericata. Winter yielded only three species, mainly Calliphora vicina, and no insects were observed in autumn due to cold and snowfall.

Conclusion: Insect succession patterns vary by season and location, influencing PMI estimations. Species-level patterns are likely specific to local ecological conditions, emphasizing the importance of regional studies in forensic entomology.

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