4.4 Article

A mummified human corpse and associated insects of forensic importance in indoor conditions

Journal

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
Volume 134, Issue 5, Pages 1963-1971

Publisher

SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02373-2

Keywords

Decomposition; Forensic entomology; Dermestes; Insects; mummified human corpse; Indoor

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We report, for the first time from Poland, the presence ofDermestes haemorrhoidalis(Coleoptera: Dermestidae) on a mummified human corpse found in a flat (Lower Silesia province, south-western Poland). Different life stages ofD. haemorrhoidaliswere gathered from the cadaver, and the signs of activity of these beetles (i.e. frass) were observed. On the basis of these facts, we concluded that the decedent, whose remains were discovered in the flat on 13 December 2018, died no later than the summer of 2018, with a strong probability that death occurred even earlier (2016 or 2017). A case history, autopsy findings, and entomological observations are provided. The presence of larvae of Dermestidae in the empty puparia of flies is reported for the first time. A list of the invertebrate species found in the corpse is provided, compared with available data, and briefly discussed.

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