Coprophanaeus lancifer (Linnaeus, 1767) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) activity moves a man-size pig carcass: relevant data for forensic taphonomy.
Taphonomy is the study of many variables involving decomposition, preservation, dispersal, erosion, burial or exposition of dead organisms. Forensic Taphonomy examines how biotic or abiotic variables can change evidences in legal investigations. Many insects are closely associated with decomposition processes. The scavenger dung-beetle, Coprophanaeus lancifer (Linnaeus, 1767), may be important biotaphonomically in the decomposition process of carcasses. Man-size pig carcasses were used as models to examine the decomposition process in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve in central Amazonia. The scavenger dung-beetle has great potential in decomposition and production of post-mortem injuries, including dismemberment and the removal of soil beneath the carcass thereby causing a change in its position.
Ururahy-Rodrigues
Alexandre
A
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, INPA, CPEN, Avenida André Araújo, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. ururahy.rodrigues@gmail.com
Rafael
José Albertino
JA
Wanderley
Roberto Ferreira
RF
Marques
Helder
H
Pujol-Luz
José Roberto
JR
D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011891:Rain; D013552:Swine