A Biological and Procedural Review of Forensically SignificantDermestesSpecies (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract

1The analyses of the insect species found on decomposing remains may provide useful information 2 for the estimation of the minimum time elapsed since death and other parameters, such as causes 3 and circumstances of death. The majority of research has focused on the early colonising species, 4 typically blowflies, while research concerning late colonising insects is currently sparse. Dermestid 5 beetles of the genus Dermestes L. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are one of the predominant insect 6 species associated with decomposing remains during dry decay and skeletal stages of 7 decomposition. In some dry environments Dermestes species are likely to be the only necrophagous 8 insects feeding on the decomposing remains. Furthermore, Dermestes species (immature and 9 adults), their remains (cast skins and fecal material) and their artifacts (pupal chambers) are 10 frequently found associated with ancient remains (e.g. mummies, fossils). Dermestes species have a 11 worldwide distribution and are considered important in decomposition processes, forensic 12 investigations and economically as a known pest of stored products. Despite their recognised 13 forensic importance, there is limited data documenting the ecology, biology and the growth rates of 14 the forensically relevant species. 15The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis on the available literature concerning 16Dermestes species associated with forensic cases. In particular, aspects of colonisation behaviour, 17 growth rates for forensic taxa and potential best practice guidelines for forensic casework 18 encompassing late colonising Dermestes species are discussed. 19 20

The exploitation of fresh remains by Dermestes maculatus De Geer (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) and their ability to cause a localised and prolonged increase in temperature above ambient

“…Dermestid beetles are most commonly encountered as pests of dried stored products [15] and in a forensic context they are usually associated with the colonisation of dry or mummified remains [4,8,16]. There are, however, reports of them being found on bodies at an earlier stage of decomposition [5,17,18].…”

“…The frass and larval setae may cause allergic reactions [7]. D. maculatus are sometimes recovered from human remains and have occasionally been used as indicators of the post-mortem interval [8]. In countries with cool temperate climates D. maculatus are usually associated with bodies found indoors.…”

Skeleton Preparation Best Practices in the Modern Museum: The Dermestid Approach

“…The genus Dermestes , part of the Dermestidae family, is found throughout the world and comprise a little under 100 species (Magni et al ). One of the most frequently used species for skeletal prep is Dermestes maculatus which can be found all over the world except for Antarctica.…”

Rearing and Double-stranded RNA-mediated Gene Knockdown in the Hide Beetle, <em>Dermestes maculatus</em>

“…As a holometabolous insect, the D. maculatus life cycle includes embryonic, larval, pupal, and adult stages (Figure 1). Because it feeds on flesh, D. maculatus is used in museums to skeletonize dead animals and forensic entomologists can use it to estimate time of death 49,50 . D. maculatus feeds on animal products including carcasses, dried meat, cheese, and the pupae/cocoons of other insects and thus causes damage to households, stored food, and the silk, cheese, and meat industries 51,52 .…”