Decomposition and entomological colonization of charred bodies – a pilot study

Vanin, Stefano; Zanotti, Emma; Gibelli, Daniele; Taborelli, A.; Andreola, Salvatore; Cattaneo, Cristina

doi:10.3325/cmj.2013.54.387

Cited by 28 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) are an established model for human decomposition and frequently used in taphonomic experiments, so far mostly for studies of arthropod colonization (Vanin et al, 2013). The nine carcasses underwent up to three decomposition stages (fresh, putrefaction/ bloated and in some cases active decay) during the first 96 h (Supporting Information Fig.…”

Section: Decomposition Dynamics Of Carcassesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Function of bacterial community dynamics in the formation of cadaveric semiochemicals during in situ carcass decomposition

Pascual

Hoermann

Rottler-Hoermann

et al. 2017

Environmental Microbiology

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The decomposition of dead mammalian tissue involves a complex temporal succession of epinecrotic bacteria. Microbial activity may release different cadaveric volatile organic compounds which in turn attract other key players of carcass decomposition such as scavenger insects. To elucidate the dynamics and potential functions of epinecrotic bacteria on carcasses, we monitored bacterial communities developing on still-born piglets incubated in different forest ecosystems by combining high-throughput Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of volatiles. Our results show that the community structure of epinecrotic bacteria and the types of cadaveric volatile compounds released over the time course of decomposition are driven by deterministic rather than stochastic processes. Individual cadaveric volatile organic compounds were correlated with specific taxa during the first stages of decomposition which are dominated by bacteria. Through best-fitting multiple linear regression models, the synthesis of acetic acid, indole and phenol could be linked to the activity of Enterobacteriaceae, Tissierellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae, respectively. These conclusions are also commensurate with the metabolism described for the dominant taxa identified for these families. The predictable nature of in situ synthesis of cadaveric volatile organic compounds by epinecrotic bacteria provides a new basis for future chemical ecology and forensic studies.

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Section: Decomposition Dynamics Of Carcassesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Function of bacterial community dynamics in the formation of cadaveric semiochemicals during in situ carcass decomposition

Pascual

Hoermann

Rottler-Hoermann

et al. 2017

Environmental Microbiology

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“…The species was reported from small and big animal carrion in Europe where it represents the most abundant taxon among Histeridae species during the spring and summer seasons ( Bajerlein, Matuszewski & Konwerski, 2011 ; Kočárek, 2003 ). In Northern Italy, it was reported from burned and unburned pig carrions during the summer period but not in the winter season ( Vanin et al, 2013 ). Matuszewski & Szafalowicz (2013) found that S. semistriatus in addition to Thanatophilus sinuatus Linnaeus, 1758, Necrodes littoralis (Linnaeus, 1758), Necrobia rufipes (De Geer, 1775) , Necrobia violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) , Creophilus maxillosus (Linnaeus, 1758) , Philonthus politus (Linnaeus, 1758) , Saprinus planiusculus Motschulsky, 1849 and Margarinotus brunneus (Fabricius, 1775) can be used to estimate the pre-appearance interval (PAI)—the time before the appearance of a species on the cadaver/carrion—from temperature.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

First record ofPhormia regina(Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from mummies at the Sant’Antonio Abate Cathedral of Castelsardo, Sardinia, Italy

Giordani

Tuccia

Floris

et al. 2018

PeerJ

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The studies of insects from archaeological contexts can provide an important supplement of information to reconstruct past events, climate and environments. Furthermore, the list of the species present in an area in the past allows the reconstruction of the entomofauna on that area at that time, that can be different from the nowadays condition, providing information about biodiversity changes. In this work, the results of a funerary archaeoentomological study on samples collected from mummified corpses discovered during the restoration of the crypt of the Sant’Antonio Abate Cathedral of Castelsardo (Sardinia, Italy) are reported. The majority of the sampled specimens were Diptera puparia, whereas only few Lepidoptera cocoons and some Coleoptera fragments were isolated. Among Diptera, Calliphoridae puparia were identified as Phormia regina (Meigen, 1826) and Calliphora vicina, (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) both species typical of the first colonization waves of exposed bodies. Three puparia fragments were also identified as belonging to a Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826, species (Sarcophagidae). Several Muscidae puparia of the species Hydrotaea capensis (Weidmermann, 1818), a late colonizer of bodies, and typical of buried bodies were also collected. The few moth (Lepidoptera) cocoons were identified as belonging to the family Tineidae. This family comprises species feeding on dry tissues and hair typical of the later phases of the human decomposition. Among Coleoptera a single specimen in the family Histeridae, Saprinus semistriatus (Scriba, 1790) and a single elytra, potentially of a species in the family Tenebrionidae, were also collected. Overall, the samples collected indicated an initial colonization of the bodies in an exposed context, mainly in a warm season. This research allows the finding of elements indicating the presence, at least in the past, of P. regina in Sardinia. This species at the moment seems extinct from Sardinia while it is quite common in the continent.

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“…The arrival and activity of family Calliphoridae on a deceased corpse indoors can aid in the quantitative measure of the postmortem interval. To confirm Calliphoridae importance in indoor deaths, L. sericata and Calliphora vicina were found in greater number in indoor deaths and were more prevalent in urban areas [30,33]. Calliphoridae will also preferentially inhabit a corpse in a rural area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%