Larder beetles (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) as an accelerating factor for decomposition of a human corpse.
Larder beetles are known to feed directly upon decomposing carrion, with a preference for dried carrion. Under optimal environmental conditions (dry and warm), they can appear in large numbers. In our case, the mummified corpse of a human male was nearly skeletonized in less than 5 months in his apartment with windows closed and a room temperature between 25 degrees C (near the radiator) and 19.4 degrees C (near the body). There were very few empty fly pupae in the apartment, but a lot of adult hide beetles, their larvae and larval cast skins (exuviae) (Dermestes maculatus DEG.) belonging to the family of the larder beetles (Dermestidae). The beetles skeletonized the human corpse in such a short time because of ideal conditions for them in the apartment (dry and warm) making the body an optimal feeding ground because of his mummification.
Schroeder
H
H
Institute for Forensic Medicine, University of Hamburg, Butenfeld 34, D-22529 Hamburg, Germany.
Klotzbach
H
H
Oesterhelweg
L
L
Püschel
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones; D002102:Cadaver; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D013997:Time Factors; D014691:Ventilation