Abstract

ABALLAY, Fernando H.; MURUA, Albérico F.; ACOSTA, Juan C.  and  CENTENO, Néstor. First record of cadaverous arthropod fauna in human and animal substrates in San Juan, Argentina. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2008, vol.67, n.3-4, pp.157-163. ISSN 0373-5680.

In order to determine the specific composition of cadaverous arthropod fauna associated to different decomposing vertebrate substrates, we studied the carrion arthropods that feed on outdoor carcasses in San Juan province, Argentina. Arthropods were collected on animal and human remains in the field and on carcasses of domestic pig placed outdoors under controlled conditions. Forty species of carrion arthropods belonging to four orders and 15 families were recorded for the first time in this province. We present the first record of forensic fauna in Argentina of the necrophagous species Megelenophorus americanus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and three necrophilous species: Polybia ruficeps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), Pheidole bergi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Myrmicinae) and Ectatoma brunneum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Ponerinae). Eighteen necrophagous, 18 necrophilous, one omnivorous and six adventitious species are listed on seven different cadaverous vertebrate substrates. We provide new distribution records for 18 insect species. Winter seasonality of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is also confirmed in this study.

Keywords : Forensic entomology; Carrion insects; Diptera; Coleoptera; San Juan.

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