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

Abstract

This article discusses the ability of adults of the coleopteran beetle Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) to colonise fresh remains. It also considers whether colonisation results in localised thermogenesis in a similar manner to that induced by blowfly larvae. In the laboratory, adult D. maculatus instantly colonised fresh killed rats and mice. The adults entered the oral cavity within 1-2 h and the eyes and ears were among the first parts of the body consumed. Egg laying occurred on the torso and head within an hour of death and eggs hatched within 3-4 days. The larvae remained on the body whilst the adults (>70%) rested in the surrounding wood chippings when not feeding or laying eggs. Larvae grew rapidly on the dead bodies and some were starting to pupate within 28 days. The dermestids consumed the corpses predominantly from the head downwards and weight loss correlated with the number of larvae produced. In both rats and mice, colonisation of the abdominal region was associated with an increase in temperature. The maximum abdominal temperature and the length of time the temperature remained 1 °C or more above ambient correlated with the number of larvae produced. This rise in temperature would probably be sufficient to increase the rate of development of dermestid larvae and that of any other invertebrate or microbe in the region. In the absence of dermestids, the internal temperature rarely rose 1 °C above ambient. Although there are previously published accounts of dermestid beetles consuming fresh corpses, they are reputed to favour older desiccated remains. This paper confirms that D. maculatus rapidly consumes and reproduces on fresh remains. The fact that dermestid beetles are seldom found on fresh remains under field conditions is therefore probably a result of inter-specific competition among decomposing insects rather than food preference. This information could be useful when determining the forensic significance of D. maculatus recovered from dead bodies.

Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) development under fluoxetine effect using two drug administration models

“…been recognized as a significant component of the insect fauna associated with decomposing remains, both human and animal, and it can be present at different stages of decomposition, even early ones [19][20][21]. Although these beetles have adaptations for feeding on dry materials, studies performed under controlled conditions allow clarification that dermestids are able to colonize, feed and reproduce on fresh tissues soon after death [22,23]. Equally, Samish et al [24] reported that these beetles caused deep wounds on live turkeys.…”

Recommendations for Maintaining a Dermestid Beetle Colony (Dermestes maculatus) for Processing Human Remains

“…The Dermestidae family includes over 1000 species globally (1), with about 130 species in the United States (2). Insects in the Dermestes genus prefer to feed on the dry remains of animal tissue during decomposition (2,3), although under certain conditions they have been shown to colonize fresh remains (4). Specifically, the species Dermestes maculatus De Geer 1774, distinguished from other species within the Dermestes genus by having a white abdomen with black markings (1,5) (Figs 1–3), have a natural propensity to consume soft tissue throughout various stages of decomposition.…”

Experimental Evidence of Bone Lesions Due to Larder Beetle Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

“…In a forensic context, they are often observed on human corpses during late decomposition stages, but have also been sampled as early as 10 days after death [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. During colonization, larder beetles accelerate the skeletonization process at varying rates depending on population composition and density, body size, ambient temperature, or the amount of food available [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. They are found in indoor as well as outdoor environments, especially in areas with dry weather or during warm months with low rainfall [ 7 ].…”