Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65

www.elsevier.com/locate/forsciint

Estimation of postmortem interval in real cases based on

experimentally obtained entomological evidence
M.I. Arnaldosa, M.D. Garcı́aa,*, E. Romeraa,
J.J. Presaa, A. Lunab
a
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
b
Professor of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain

Received 7 April 2003; accepted 6 April 2004

Available online 25 September 2004

Abstract

Using the entomological evidence obtained in several forensic cases analyzed in our laboratory for comparison, we
evaluated the results of an experimental study carried out in a semiurban setting to determine the structure of the
sarcosaprophagous fauna from a Mediterranean region of SE Spain. In all, 18 orders of arthropods were collected. The
summarized experimental results refer to the most important taxa for estimating the postmortem interval. Thus, the seasonal
character of certain Diptera species, such as Phaenicia sericata, Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya albiceps and Musca
domestica, is cited. Among the Coleoptera, the role of Dermestidae as a necrophagous species, and of Staphylinidae and
Histeridae as necrophilous, or Cleridae, Tenebrionidae and Nitidulidae as omnivorous, as well as their appearance on the
corpse, is described. Among the Hymenoptera, Formicidae were as the most abundant group, acting as omnivores and not
apparently related to any particular decomposition stage. The real cases are discussed using data from the literature and the
experimentally obtained results. In every case, the most relevant factors for estimating PMI are briefly discussed,
mentioning, when possible, the relation with the experimental results. We confirm the significance of the experimental
results because they seem to be applicable to actual forensic cases, the details of which enlarge our very little knowledge on
the subject in the Iberian Peninsula. The importance of regional faunistic studies of the sarcosaprophagous arthropod
community, the results of which may be applied to forensic practice, is mentioned.
# 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Forensic entomology; Entomological evidence; Entomology; Postmortem interval; Case studies

1. Introduction of entomofauna in a corpse for forensic purposes. Subse-

The validity of entomological evidence for estimating the
postmortem interval (PMI) and reaching conclusions in a
forensic framework has long been known. In Europe, Ber-
geret [1] was the first to use data concerning the succession
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +34 968 364207;
fax: +34 968 363963.
E-mail address: mdgarcia@um.es (M.D. Garcı́a).
quent studies continued his work but only in the last 30 years
or so have really detailed studies been made and their results
applied [2–7].
Each group of arthropods plays a given role in the different
stages of decomposition of organic matter, a particular group
beingdefinedbythefeedinghabits ofitsmembers [8].Theusual
classificationofsarcosaprophagousfaunadividesthemintofive
distinct ecological groups: necrophages, which arrive first and
eatfromthe corpse;necrophiles,which feedonthe necrophages

0379-0738/$ – see front matter # 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.04.087
58 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
Table 1
Duration (in days) of the stages of decomposition in different seasons
Season Decomposition stages
Fresh Decomposition
Spring 2 9
Summer 2 5
Autumn 3 17
Winter 3 22
inside the corpse by predation or parasitism; omnivores, which
feedonthecorpseandassociatedfauna;opportunists,whichuse
the corpse as refuge, source of heat, etc. and accidentals, whose
presence is due to chance.
In general, necrophages, necrophiles and omnivores are
the most important for forensic purposes. The necrophages,
which appear in a predictable sequence, are the most impor-
tant for establishing the time of death, although the other two
groups also have their importance. Omnivores, for example,
which appear at practically the same time as the necrophiles
and remain through all the decomposition stages, may
provide a great deal of information both about the corpse
itself, any possible manipulation thereof and of the arthropod
community present in the corpse.
Forensic entomology is based on understanding the arthro-
pod sarcosaprophagous community. In the Mediterranean
area, such studies are very scarce and the community has
not been well studied throughout the year. Until now, the
evaluation of entomological evidence in forensic cases has
necessarily been based on studies carried out in other biogeo-
graphical areas with different environmental conditions, even
though such data may not necessarily be extrapolable.
For this reason, there was an evident need to carry out a
study on the sarcosaprophagous community in the western
Mediterranean region to obtain a data base with which to
compare the results obtained from entomological evidence
obtained in real cases and studied in our laboratory. On the
other hand, for obvious reasons, human corpses are not
readily available for experimental studies. Consequently,
cadavers of different types of animals have been used as
experimental models, but there is controversy concerning
the validity of different models. Indeed, it is necessary to be
cautious when extrapolating data obtained from non-human
sources to forensic practice.
This work presents a summary of the experimental data
obtained in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula concerning
the most relevant group of arthropods for estimating the
postmortem interval. These groups have been shown to be
useful in forensic cases. The details of these forensic cases
are also presented, and they form the basis of a database on
entomological evidence related to real circumstances for the
western Mediterranean area. This is important since no other
database exists in the Iberian Peninsula. The relationship
observed between the experimental data and real forensic
cases confirms the validity of the data, and therefore, their
application in forensic practice.
Advanced decomposition Skeletonization
46 –
6 32
33 –
23 –
2. Methods
To collect the sarcosaprophagous insects a modified
version of the trap designed by Schoenly et al. [9] was used,
since it has been proved to be of great utility and efficacy. A
specific description of the trap is given in Martı́nez et al. [10]
and in Arnaldos et al. [11], as well as the kind and number of
bait used (two chicken carcasses in every season) and the
sampling period. All samples were collected at mid-day,
daily or every 2, 3 and even 4 days, depending on the length
of the decomposition stages, climatic conditions, the number
of arthropods present, and the size of the bait [8,12–16], as
established by personal appraisal.
The trap was sited in the Agricultural and Forestal
Experimental field station of the University of Murcia within
the university campus situated in Espinardo, 6 km north of
the city of Murcia (southeastern Spain).
In the experimental models four stages of decomposition
were identified: fresh, decomposition, advanced decomposi-
tion and skeletonization, as described by Martı́nez et al. [10].
Table 1 shows the duration of each of the stages.
The entomological material studied in the forensic cases
corresponded to the following judicial inquiries:
Case 1 42/95 from court no. 3, Murcia.
Case 2 Preliminary proceedings 6/95 of Court of First
Instance no. 1, Caravaca de la Cruz (Murcia).
Case 3 Court of First Instance no. 6, Orihuela (Alicante).
Case 4 Autopsy 172/97, Institute of Legal Medicine, San-
tiago de Compostela (La Coruña).
Case 5 Autopsy 14/98, Court no. 2, Cieza (Murcia).
Case 6 Autopsy 382/98, Court no. 2, Caravaca de la Cruz
(Murcia).
Case 7 First Proceedings DP 3962 of 2000, Court no. 3,
Murcia.
3. Results and discussion
Our findings on the decomposition stages (Table 1)
reflect those of several authors [12,13], who pointed out
that in the same season the duration of a given decomposi-
tion stage is always less than the following stage.
In the experimental model, eighteen different orders of
arthropods were identified [17,18], of which more than 50%
were necrophages, necrophiles and omnivores (Table 2 and
 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65 59

Table 2 Table 3
Trophic relations of the orders captured and related with the Seasonal capture percentages of the most representative species
decomposing remains Species Season
Taxa Trophic relationship Spring Summer Autumn Winter
NC NF OM OP AC Phaenicia sericata 91.56 2.76 4.82 0.85
Collembola Chrysomya albiceps 1.24 10.61 87.95 0.19
Zygentoma Calliphora vicina 1.41 0.24 7.42 90.93
Orthoptera Musca domestica 6.65 61.13 32.23 –
Dermaptera Muscina stabulans 27.68 12.62 35.40 24.29
Embioptera
Psocoptera
Heteroptera Among the Diptera, the Calliphoridae and Muscidae are
Homoptera of note [11]. The most important of the former from a
Thysanoptera forensic point of view were Phaenicia sericata (Meigen),
Neuroptera Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy and Chrysomya albi-
Coleoptera
ceps (Wiedemann), which showed a clear seasonal prefer-
Hymenoptera Formicidae
ence (Table 3). The greatest number of Phaenicia sericata
Other Hymenoptera
Lepidoptera was caught in spring (from the very first day); Chrysomya
Diptera Brachycera albiceps predominated in autumn, when it appeared as a
Nematocera secondary species from the third day onwards. Calliphora
Scutigeromorpha vicina was the major species in winter, when it acted as the
Isopoda primary species.
Acarida The most significant Muscidae in our study were Musca
Araneida domestica Linnaeus and several species of Muscina, among
Note: NC: necrophagous, NF: necrophilous, OM: omnivorous, OP: which Muscina stabulans (Fallén) was of note. Musca
opportunist, AC: accidental, : significant. domestica was the predominant species in summer, when
it appeared from the first day onwards. However, it was not
observed in winter. Muscina stabulans demonstrated no
Fig. 1). The necrophagous arthropods were mainly Brachy- clear seasonal preference and was evenly distributed
ceran Diptera; necrophiles were Coleoptera, Hymenoptera throughout the year.
and Arachnida; while the omnivores were Coleoptera and The Coleoptera showed a varied distribution and abun-
Hymenoptera. The most significant arthropod groups cap- dance pattern through the year. The Dermestidae were
tured throughout the sampling period, together with their collected during the earliest stages of decomposition in
trophic relations, are shown in Fig. 2. spring and summer, and their numbers increased as the

Fig. 1. Capture percentages of the arthropod orders captured.

60 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
Fig. 2. Scheme of the trophic relations of the most representative arthropods groups.
remains began to dry. Their larvae were very numerous and
characteristics of the last stages of decomposition when the
remains were already dry. They were found in great abun-
dance among the muscular mass and bones. Staphylinidae
and Histeridae belong to the necrophilous component of the
community. The latter were always present in the decom-
position and advanced decomposition stages, coinciding
with the highest number of Diptera larvae in the cadaver,
but never in the fresh stage. The Staphylinidae were found in
all three of the above stages. Cleridae, Tenebrionidae and
Nitidulidae are omnivores, which feed on both the cadaver
and associated fauna. In general, the Cleridae were collected
in the most advanced stages of decomposition, while the
other two families were also present in earlier stages.
Formicidae constituted more than 85% of the Hymenop-
tera caught in our study. Pheidole pallidula (Nylander) was
the predominant species and was collected in all four
seasons, although it was most prevalent in spring and
summer, when, furthermore, it was present throughout all
the stages of decomposition. Formicidae may be considered
omnivorous, one of the fauna which use the cadaver as a
refuge, to obtain humidity and food [19].
The other Hymenoptera captured belonged to different
ecological categories of the sarcosaprophagous community,
ranging from omnivorous (e.g. Vespidae) to parasitic (e.g.
Diapriidae, Encyrtidae, Mymaridae and Scelionidae).
The data presented up to this point are the most repre-
sentative of the fauna collected for estimating the post-
mortem interval. As mentioned above, these data, which
were obtained experimentally, will only be of significance if
the findings are applicable to actual forensic cases. For this
reason we detail below the results of forensic cases studied in
our laboratories. A comparison of the two groups of data
should justify and validate the results described here.
3.1. Cases studied
3.1.1. Case 1
The body of a male was found hanged in winter (Feb-
ruary) inside a building situated in an agricultural area. The
body showed insect activity by both adult and immature
insects (Table 4). Subsequent identification confirmed the
presence of Coleoptera, including Nitidulidae larvae, a
female adult Dermestes frischii Kugel (Dermestidae), larvae
of Dermestes sp. (Dermestidae), and Diptera, third instar
larvae of Piophila foveolata Meigen (Piophilidae), puparia
presumably belonging to Piophila foveolata in advanced
stage of development, third instar mummified larvae of
Calliphoridae and a puparium Calliphoridae.
Nitidulidae have been associated with cadavers in various
stages of desiccation, generally accompanied by Dermesti-
dae. The latter are typically associated with stored products
 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
Table 4
Most relevant entomological evidence of the forensic cases studied
Case number Entomological evidences
Diptera
1 Phiophila foveolata (LIII, P)
Calliphoridae sp. (LIII, P)
2 Eggs
Phaenicia sp. (LI, LII)
Calliphora sp. (LI, LII)
3 Phaenicia sp. (E, LI, LII, LIII)
Calliphora sp. (E, LI, LII, LIII)
4 Calliphora sp.(LII, LIII)
Muscina stabulans (LIII)
5 Calliphora vicina (LIII)
6 Calliphora vicina (E, LI)
7 Calliphora vicina (LIII)
Phaenicia sericata (LI, LII, LIII)
Chrysomya albiceps (LII)
Muscina stabulans (LII, LIII, P)
Muscina sp. (LII, LIII)
Sarcophagidae sp. (LII, LIII)
Phoridae sp. (LI, LII, P, AD)
and, frequently, with cadavers in an advanced stage of
decomposition, when the fats are rancid. Our data have
shown that both Nitidulidae and Dermestidae can be found
in decomposing bodies in winter, especially in late stages,
when the remains are dry.
The genus Piophila has been mentioned in the late stages
of decomposition, when cadavers are already dry. Although
some data point to the early arrival of adults of this genus in
cadavers [20], many more mention its presence in cadavers
at least 2 months old [7].
The entomological evidence as a whole suggested an
advanced stage of decomposition. Mummified Calliphoridae
larvae were considered to be the remains of an early colo-
nization which had abandoned the cadaver to pupate.
The PMI estimated from entomological evidence, was
calculated by mainly taking into account the development of
Dermestidae larvae which, according to Hinton [21], takes
about 22 days at 28–30 8C and 40–50 days at lower tem-
peratures. We estimated 7 weeks, bearing in mind the season
in which death occurred, with temperatures much lower than
28–30 8C. This conclusion is congruent with our own data
about the presence of Dermestidae larvae in a corpse [17,18].
The judicial enquiry pointed to a time of death six and a half
weeks before the body was found.
3.1.2. Case 2
The body of a male with a bullet hole in the head found,
in autumn, in the open in a wooded area partially exposed to
the sun. The report of the forensic scientist who gave
permission for the body to be moved, mentioned the large
61
Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Nitidulidae sp. (L) –
Dermestes frischii (AD) –
Dermestes maculatus (L) –
– –
– –
Emus hirtus (AD) F. Cynipinae (AD)
Saprinus furvus (AD)
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
numbers of eggs in the natural orifices of the body and skin
folds of the neck, and the absence of other fauna on or below
the body. The night-time temperatures in the area had been
low.
The entomological evidence collected (Table 4) con-
sisted of Diptera eggs with and without embryos, extremely
numerous first instar (the most abundant), first-second and
second instar Diptera larvae. The larvae were identified as
belonging to the Calliphoridae genera Phaenicia and Cal-
liphora, the first being the most abundant. Additional speci-
mens from the autopsy, well preserved, were only first instar
larvae, which were considered as representative of the whole
larvae.
The heliophilous character of species of the genus Phae-
nicia is well known, as is the fact that they, as other
Calliphoridae, except in very favourable conditions [22],
do not lay eggs during nocturnal hours. Species of the genera
Calliphora and Phaenicia are primary species in normal
conditions and reach the body minutes after death to lay their
eggs.
Given the quantity of eggs deposited on the cadaver and
their location (in zones not excessively protected and in the
wound), it can be surmised that the body must have lain in
the open at all times and that the daytime temperatures of the
place where the body was found exceeded, al least occa-
sionally, 15 8C. In this geographical area [11], Calliphora
and Phaenicia have been found in autumn as early as the first
day of exposure. From the data that exist concerning the
development stages of different species of Phaenicia and
Calliphora [7,23–25] and in light of the prevailing tempera-
62 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
tures, we estimated that larvae II were probably have passed
about 36 h as eggs and at least 40 h until reaching the II
stage. Discarding the possibility of nocturnal oviposition, the
date was estimated as around 3–4 days post mortem, as a
minimum. This time was also compatible with that estimated
during the judicial proceedings.
3.1.3. Case 3
The body of a male found in an area known as Salinas de
Torrevieja (Alicante province) in February (winter). Ento-
mological evidence (Table 4) was only found in the buco-
pharyngeal cavity of the body. The forensic report noted
other, larger larvae (approximately one and a half centi-
metres long), which, during the autopsy, continued to
migrate towards more internal parts of the body. Subsequent
inspection of the photographs of the autopsy showed the
existence of a group of Diptera eggs in the nasal orifices. No
other entomological evidence was found in the cadaver,
including the openings of the wounds that the body pre-
sented (shotgun wounds in both left hip and temple).
Climatic data showed that the temperature during the
week before the body was found was 7–12 8C, only reaching
10 8C 4 days before the body was found, mist and rain
occurring 2 days previously.
The entomological evidence supplied 1 month after their
collection showed eggs, larvae (some still with the egg
covering) and moulted cuticles of first and second instars,
and third instar larvae. The larvae were identified as Calli-
phora vicina and Phaenicia sericata.
In adverse environmental conditions, such as those pre-
vailing at the site of the deed, eggs are laid in the most
protected places possible and egg masses are not easily
visible. The duration of preimaginal states is also affected,
while eclosion is strongly influenced by night-time tempera-
tures and general environmental conditions [24,26,27], so
that below 10 8C it is delayed by several days and devel-
opment is slowed down.
The deep localisation of the larvae in the cadaver, as well
as the absence of larvae in the wounds, supports the idea that
the body had lain in very unfavourable environmental con-
ditions. For this reason, the period necessary for egg devel-
opment should be considered as long. The eggs found in the
nasal passage presumably came from a second laying coin-
ciding with more favourable climatic conditions.
In our studies [11], we have found adults of Calliphora
vicina from the second day onwards in winter, and Phaenicia
sericata from the fifth day, although this species is present in
very low numbers in winter in the study area (Table 3). These
findings agree with those of Kentner and Streit [28], who
stated that Calliphora vicina enters cadavers 1 or 2 days
before Phaenicia sericata. Taking into consideration the
prevailing temperatures of the area and the data concerning
the development of the older larvae, their age could be
estimated as at least 80 h from oviposition, to which a
minimum of 24 h before the adults arrived in the corpse
should be added. Thus, the postmortem interval must be at
the very least 4 days before the discovery of the body. The
judicial enquiry pointed to a time of 5 days.
3.1.4. Case 4
The body of a 29-year-old male was found in October
(autumn) half-buried with a hand and foot exposed in a
sandy soil near the cemetery in Lugo (Galicia). Death
resulted from the wounds in the head and neck produced
by a firearm. The meteorological conditions before the body
was found were relatively dry with a mean temperature of
between 12 and 16 8C.
Entomological evidence (Table 4) came from the cloth-
ing and surface of the body. Two female specimens of Emus
hirtus (Linnaeus) (Staphylinidae) were found on the exterior
of the clothes, while a female Cynipidae (Hymenoptera) and
a male of Saprinus furvus Erichson (Histeridae) were found
in the folds of the clothing. On the cadaver itself Calliphora
vicina larvae (19 in the third instar; 5 in the second) and a
third instar of Muscina stabulans larva, mainly on the neck
and thorax, were found.
The best indicator of the postmortem interval were
Calliphora vicina third instar larvae, while the other fauna
offered information on the situation of the cadaver and
established minimum time limits. Staphylinidae and Hister-
idae are characteristic components of the sarcosaprophagous
community, and are generally predators of dipteran larvae.
All their species are edaphic. They occur year-round in our
geographical area, preferably after the initial stage of cada-
ver decomposition. Hymenopteran Cynipidae are parasitoids
that actively seek preimaginal states of other insects, espe-
cially Diptera, on which they feed. In our biogeographical
area we have captured Parasitica in winter on the fourth day
after the bait being exposed. Their presence in the lower
layers of the soil is not surprising [27].
In this case, the body must have remained in the open for
some time for Calliphora vicina to gain access to the corpse,
but was buried soon afterwards at a sufficient depth to
prevent egg laying by other Diptera characteristic of the
early stages of decomposition.
The appearance of necrophiles indicates the existence
of necrophagous fauna already installed in the cadaver.
The PMI was calculated on the basis of known data [29],
which state, for a mean constant temperature of 12.5 8C, the
egg incubation period is 38 h, while larvae I appears in 49 h
and larvae II in 58 h. To this period a slight delay for
oviposition to take place must be added. Thus, the PMI
was put at 6–7 days, a time that was borne out by the judicial
enquiry.
3.1.5. Case 5
The body of a woman found in her home in the outskirts
of Cieza (Murcia province) in winter (January). The body
was clothed and found in prone position on the floor with no
external wounding. Direct sunlight never entered the room.
Entomological evidence (Table 4) consisted of Calli-
phora vicina third instar larvae from the neck region alone.
 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
The absence of other fauna suggested death had occurred
in the house itself since no sarcosaprophagous fauna other
than Calliphora vicina had gained access to the body. As
already indicated, this species is characteristic of the season
and area where the body was found [11]. The adults are
active at temperatures below the limits at which other
Diptera with the same habits cease to be active. Perhaps
it is the most common species to be found in human
cadavers, especially in built-up areas and it is also usual
to find them in bodies discovered inside buildings, except
when windows are open and the sun can enter.
The time of death was estimated at 15 days before
collection of the samples. This was based on several indica-
tions: (1) the characteristics of the cadaver, which showed no
external wounds and which therefore did not immediately
invite oviposition [27], (2) the dynamic of the species in the
sarcosaprophagous community [11], oviposition occurring
around the second day of exposure, (3) the physical and
environmental (winter) conditions of the site and (4) the
length of time necessary for the larvae found to have fully
developed [24,30,31], which could be put at about 12–13
days. The judicial enquiry put the time of death at 16 days
prior to discovery.
3.1.6. Case 6
The body of a male was found in a pinewood/scrubland
area of Fuente de los Frailes, Caravaca de la Cruz (Murcia
province) in autumn (November). The site received direct
sunlight several hours a day. The upper body was naked and
both trousers and underpants were lowered. The cause of
death was established as a craneal traumatism caused by a
blunt instrument, numerous knife wounds and lesions to vital
organs. The body had bled profusely and showed wounds to
the neck. The body in situ was totally covered in blood but
the ground below showed little blood. The man had last been
seen alive the night prior his disappearance, 1 day before the
corpse was discovered. Temperatures in the 4 days before
discovery had been around 4–5 8C and never more than
12 8C.
Entomological evidence (Table 4) came from the right
eye, scrotal region, upper thighs and anal region. During
autopsy, specimens were collected from the testicular
region, some of which were kept alive and some fixed for
subsequently study. Entomological evidence consisted of
Diptera eggs, mostly containing embryos or larvae on the
point off hatching, and very small Diptera larvae. The living
sample showed the Diptera larvae to be of the Calliphora
vicina species.
Bearing in mind that no sign remained of egg-laying
activity in the open wounds or in the blood-stained surround-
ings, it was probable that the body had lain for some time in
the place where it was found before Calliphora vicina had
become active or that the eggs had been laid in unfavorable
environmental conditions. The eggs were laid in slightly
protected areas, which is akin to saying that, in adverse
conditions, they are laid in protected zones (better protected
63
from environmental conditions). This is in keeping with the
prevailing temperatures, which were below the optimal for
Calliphora vicina activity (15–20 8C). However, oviposition
must have occurred early, bearing in mind our observations
[11] concerning the continuous presence of Calliphora
vicina from the first day of exposure and those of Smith
[7], who stated that if a cadaver is still fresh and only shows
the presence of Calliphora vicina eggs in wounds and
natural orifices, it must be in the place where death occurred
and only have been there for a short time. We also considered
the opinion of Introna et al. [24], who experimentally stated
that the first ovipositions occurred 1–6 h after exposure of
the corpse. According to these authors, Calliphora vicina lay
eggs mainly early in the morning, after the temperature has
risen slightly above night-time temperatures. Based on the
time necessary for the eggs to hatch at low temperatures, put
at in 38 h [29], and the results of the in vivo study of the
sample kept alive, death was put at 2 days before autopsy and
presumably in the first hours of the day, which judicial
evidence confirmed.
3.1.7. Case 7
A 44-year-old male found, in autumn (November) at the
bottom of a shallow hole with some stagnant water in the city
of Murcia. The body was clothed with the shirt rolled up and
trousers and underpants down, partially covered by card-
board. A stomach wound, with the intestines exposed,
showed numerous larvae. The National Institute of Meteor-
ology provided the climatological data from a nearby sta-
tion, showing a mean temperature of 15 8C. Two samples of
insect specimens were collected, one for rearing in the
laboratory, while the other was fixed immediately.
Numerous specimens were found. In the fixed sample, we
identified third instar larvae Calliphora vicina, first, second
and third (and intermediate) instars of Phaenicia sericata,
second instar larvae and intermediate first-second instar of
Chrysomya albiceps, second and third instar larvae and
puparia of Muscina stabulans, second, third and second-
third intermediate instar larvae of Muscina sp, second and
third instar larvae of Sarcophagidae, first and second instars
along with puparia and adults of Phoridae, numerous eggs
both empty and containing embryos, and a large number of
Acari. The samples reared in the laboratory, at a temperature
over 15 8C, produced Phaenicia sericata and Chrysomya
albiceps adults 13–22 days later.
The qualitative composition of the fauna represented in
the studied samples reflects the sarcosaprophagous fauna
characteristic of autumn in the province of Murcia [17,18]. It
has been seen that in this area, adult Phaenicia sericata and
Calliphora vicina are evident in cadavers from the first day
of exposure onwards and remain until days 10 and 11,
respectively. Muscina stabulans does not arrive until the
second day, but remain until day 22, while Chrysomya
albiceps appear on day 3 and remain until day 13 [11].
Phoridae are present (in adult form) from the first day of
exposure, although they reach maximum concentrations
64 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
during the decomposition stage. As regards Acari, although
they are significant members of the sarcosaprophagous
community ([15,32,33], among others), little information
is available about their presence in human cadavers and the
hierarchy of successive species as a function of the various
stages of decomposition [34].
The entomological evidence (Table 4) as a whole sug-
gested that the body must have been freely accessible to
sarcosaprophagous arthropods at all times. Because of the
characteristics of the wound and the climatic conditions,
eggs must have been laid immediately.
Nevertheless, the coexistence of first and late instars of
certain primary species (Phaenicia sericata) and the late
stages of development of other species (Muscina stabulans,
Phoridae) suggested continuous egg laying of the primary
species due to the favourable weather conditions. The oldest
larvae must have been aged at least 11 days old according to
our own data, which agrees with other results in the literature
([4,27] among others).
From our knowledge of the life cycle of the species which
showed the greatest degree of development and from an
observation of the species which completed their life cycle in
the laboratory, it was presumed that the eggs must have been
laid 11–17 days before the samples were taken, death there-
fore having occurred during this time interval. However, this
cannot be confirmed since, at the time of writing the case is
still sub judice.
In this study, we have used different elements, which has
allowed us to contrast the time of death estimated from the
entomological data obtained from the corpses themselves
and from the experimental study, with the time of death as
established by the judicial enquiry. In the judicial proceeding
the expert works and the testimonies of witness and panel
were included.
From the analysis made of the above cases, it is clear
that the fauna, as a whole, rather than the species
traditionally used for dating death, must be considered if
the resulting conclusions are to be considered reliable. A
consideration of all the fauna will provide very significant
data as regards perimortem conditions and postmortem
interval.
If an entomologist has no direct access to the cadaver in
question, entomological samples should be taken by trained
personnel so that the forensic entomologist may be sure that
the samples are qualitatively and quantitatively representa-
tive of the fauna existing in the corpse.
Given the scarcity of faunistic studies of the sarcosapro-
phagous community in southern Europe [11,17,18,35,
36,37], more studies should be carried out in different
geographical situations and different habitats to provide
information on possible variations in the qualitative compo-
sition of the community and its temporal dynamic. The
information obtained could constitute a useful data base
for forensic investigations.
When the data obtained from real forensic cases were
compared with our experimental values the validity of the
experiment was confirmed since the results were similar.
The experimental data, then, may be considered as
representative of the circumstances occurring in a human
cadaver and may act as a valid initial database of sarcosa-
prophagous fauna in the Iberian Peninsula. This is of special
interest because the impossibility of using human corpses for
this kind of study means that animal models are needed.
Since there is a substantial controversy about the validity of
using certain animals as experimental models, this study
confirms the validity of chicken carcasses, and the results
obtained with them, for establishing the structure and
dynamics of the arthropod community associated with
corpses. As a consequence, these results may well be
considered to be useful for forensic practice in the geogra-
phical area of reference.
References
[1] M. Bergeret, Infanticide, momification du cadaver. Découverte
du cadavre d’un enfant nouveau-né dans une cheminée où il
s’était momifié. Détermination de l’époque de la naissance par
la presence de nymphes et larves d’insectes dans le cadavre et
par l’étude de leurs metamorphoses, Ann. Hyg. Med. Leg. 4
(1855) 442–452.
[2] Y.Z. Erzinclioglu, The application of entomology to forensic
medicine, Med. Sci. Law 23 (1) (1983) 57–63.
[3] B. Greenberg, Forensic entomology: case studies, Bull. Ento-
mol. Soc. Am. 31 (4) (1985) 25–28.
[4] M. Leclercq, Entomologie et Médecine Légale. Datation de la
mort, No. 108, Collection de Médecine Légale et de Toxico-
logie Medicale, Masson, Paris, 1978.
[5] P. Nuorteva, H. Schumann, M. Isokoski, K. Laiko, Studies on
the posibilities of using blowflies (Dipt., Calliphoridae) as
medicolegal indicators in Finland. 2. Four cases where species
identification was performed from larval, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 40
(2) (1974) 70–74.
[6] C. Reiter, Moulting of Blowfly larvae as an indicator in
determination of the time of death, Adv. Forensic Sci. 4
(1995) 147–148.
[7] K.G.V. Smith,. A Manual of Forensic Entomology, Trustees of
the British Museum (Natural History), London, 1986.
[8] G.F. Bornemissza, An analysis of arthropod succession in
carrion and the effect of its decomposition on the soil fauna,
Aust. J. Zool. 5 (1957) 1–12.
[9] K. Schoenly, K. Griest, S. Rhine, An experimental field
protocol for investigating the postmortem interval using multi-
disciplinary indicators, J. Forensic Sci. JFSCA 36 (5) (1991)
1395–1415.
[10] M.D. Martı́nez, M.I. Arnaldos, E. Romera, M.D. Garcı́a, Los
Formicidae de la comunidad sarcosaprófaga en el Mediterrá-
neo Occidental, Anales Biologı́a 24 (2002) 33–44.
[11] M.I. Arnaldos, E. Romera, M.D. Garcı́a, A. Luna, An initial
study on Sarcosaprophagous Diptera (Insecta) succession on
carrion in southeastern Iberian Peninsula, Int. J. Legal Med.
114 (3) (2001) 156–162.
[12] H.B. Reed, A study of dog carcass communities in Tennessee,
with special reference to the insects, Am. Midland Naturalist
59 (1) (1958) 213–245.
 M.I. Arnaldos et al. / Forensic Science International 149 (2005) 57–65
[13] M.D. Johnson, Seasonal and microseral variations in the insect
populations on carrion, Am. Midland Naturalist 93 (1) (1975)
79–90.
[14] L.E.O. Braack, Visitation patterns of principal species of the
insect-complex at carcasses in the Kruger National Park,
Koede 24 (1981) 33–49.
[15] G.S. Anderson, S.L. Vanlaerhoven, Initial studies on insect
succession on carrion in Southwestern British Columbia, J.
Forensic Sci. JFSCA 41 (4) (1996) 617–625.
[16] T.I. Tantawi, E.M. El-Kady, B. Greenberg, H.A. El-Ghaffar,
Arthropod succession on exposed rabbit carrion in Alexandria,
Egypt, J. Med. Entomol. 33 (4) (1996) 566–580.
[17] M.I. Arnaldos Sanabria, Estudio de la fauna sarcosaprófaga de
la Región de Murcia, Su aplicación a la Medicina legal, Tesis
Doctoral, Departamento de Biologı́a Animal, Facultad de
Biologı́a, Universidad de Murcia, 2000.
[18] M.I. Arnaldos, E. Romera, J.J. Presa, A. Luna, M.D. Garcı́a,
Studies on seasonal arthropod succession on carrion in the
Southeastern Iberian Peninsula, Int. J. Legal Med. 118 (2004)
197–205.
[19] M.D. Martı́nez, M.I. Arnaldos, M.D. Garcı́a, Datos sobre la
fauna de hormigas asociadas a cadáveres (Hymenoptera: For-
micidae), Boletı́n de la Asociación española de Entomologı́a
21 (3–4) (1997) 281–283.
[20] R.F. Chapman, J.H.P. Sankey, The larger invertebrate
fauna of three rabbit carcasses, J. Anim. Ecol. 24 (1955)
395–402.
[21] H.E. Hinton, A Monograph of the Beetles associated with
stored products, vol. 1, The Trustees of the British Museum
(Natural History), London, 1945.
[22] B. Greenberg, Nocturnal ovoposition behaviour of blow-flies
(Diptera: Caliphoridae), J. Med. Entomol. 27 (5) (1990) 807–
810.
[23] F. Introna Jr., B.M. Altamura, A. Dell’Erba, V. Datolli, Time
since death definition by experimental reproduction of Lucilia
sericata cycles in growth cabinet, J. Forensic Sci. JFSCA 34
(1989) 478–480.
[24] F. Introna Jr., T.W. Swan, J.E. Smialek, Sarcosaprophagous fly
activity in Mariland, J. Forensic Sci. JFSCA 36 (1) (1991) 238–
243.
[25] J.A. Payne, A summer carrion study of the baby pig Sus scrofa
Linnaeus, Ecology 46 (5) (1965) 592–602.
65
[26] M. Leclercq, G. Brahy, Entomologie et médecine légale:
Datation de la mort, Journal de Médecine Légale – Droit
medical 28 (4) (1985) 271–278.
[27] P. Nuorteva, Sarcosaprophagous insects as forensic indicators,
in: C.G. Tedeschi, W.G. Eckert, L.G. Tedeschi (Eds.),
Forensic Medecine: A Study in Trauma and Environmental
Hazards, II, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1977, pp.
1072–1095Chapter 47.
[28] E. Kentner, B. Streit, Temporal distribution and habitat pre-
ference of congeneric insect species found a rat carrion,
Pedobiologı́a 34 (1990) 347–359.
[29] B. Greenberg, Flies as forensic indicators, J. Med. Entomol. 28
(5) (1991) 565–577.
[30] E.P. Catts, Analyzing entomological data, in: E.P. Catts, N.H.
Haskell (Eds.), Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide,
Joyce Print Shop, Clemson, SC, 1990, pp. 124–137.
[31] C. Reiter, Zum Wachstumsverhalten der Maden der blauen
Schmeissfliege Calliphora vicina, Z. Rechtsmed. 91 (1984)
295–308.
[32] M.L. Goff, M. Early, B.O. Odom, K. Tullis, A preliminary
checklist of arthropods associated with exposed carrion in the
Hawaiian Islands, Proc. Hawaiian Entomol. Soc. 26 (1986)
53–57.
[33] E.N. Richards, M.L. Goff, Arthropod succession on exposed
carrion on three contrasting habitats on Hawaii Island, Hawaii,
J. Med. Entomol. 34 (3) (1997) 328–339.
[34] M. Leclercq, Ch. Verstraeten, Entomologie et médecine légale.
L’entomofaune des cadavres humains: sa succession par son
interprétation, ses résultats, ses perspectives, Journal de Méde-
cine Légale Droit Medical t.36 (3–4) (1988) 205–222.
[35] J. Berzosa, M.I. Arnaldos, E. Romera, M.D. Garcı́a, Tisanóp-
teros (Insecta: Thysanoptera) de una comunidad sarcosapró-
faga en el sureste español, Boletı́n de la Real Sociedad
Española de Historia Natural (Sección Biológica) 96 (3–4)
(2001) 183–194.
[36] M.I. Arnaldos, M.D. Garcı́a, E. Romera, E. Baquero, New data
on the Mymaridae fauna in the Iberian peninsula (Hymenoptera,
Chalcidoidea) from a carrion community, Boletı́n de la Asocia-
ción española de Entomologı́a 27 (1–4) (2003) 213–216.
[37] M. Castillo Miralbes, Estudio de la entomofauna asociada a
cadáveres en el Alto Aragón (España), Monografı́as SEA 6
(2002) 1–93.