Skip to main content

Seasonal Abundance of Forensic Insects Encountered on Rabbit Cadavers in Assiut Governorate Egypt

Research Authors
Farouk A Abdel-Galil, Safaa M George, Mohamed AI Ahmed, Rasha R Wadea, Sara E Mousa, Mervat M Khalifa
Research Abstract

Forensic entomology is considered the science that applies insect biology to criminal investigations, using insects and other arthropods to uncover the circumstances of criminal cases. Herein, we recorded the seasonal abundance of forensic insects encountered on rabbits’ cadavers during four seasons (2021-2022) in Egypt under Assiut conditions. As a result, numerous forensic insects were attracted to cadavers during the four seasons (2021-2022). Plus, ten adult insects were observed belonging to seven families under two orders, Coleoptera and Diptera. Four coleopteran insects belonging to 4 families were monitored, “i.e.” Carabidae (Harpalus rufipes), Histeridae (Saprinus blanchei), Staphylinidiae (Creophillus maxillosus), Dermestidae (Dermestes frischii). Six dipteran insects belonging to 3 families were determined, namely Calliphoridae (Calliphora vicine, Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya refifacies, and Chrysomya albiceps), Muscidae (Musca domestica), and Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga carnaria).  Also, the taxon of order Diptera emerged early from day one immediately after death on cadavers followed by the taxon of order Coleoptera that popped up lately. This study sheds light on forensic entomology science which is considered very limited in Egypt. In addition, an investigation must be carried out to benefit from this study, which will help us to remove confusion in critical issues in the future.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Research Member
Research Publisher
Assiut University, Faculty of Agriculture
Research Vol
55(1)
Research Website
https://ajas.journals.ekb.eg/article_339039.html?lang=en
Research Year
2024
Research Pages
120-135