A Preliminary Investigation of Insect Succession Patterns on Decomposing Carrion on Rottnest Island (WA)

Introduction: Pivotal component of medico-legal investigations is the determination time since death, or (minimum) postmortem interval, (min) PMI. Forensic entomology can provide reliable estimates PMI using carrion insect species. Carrion arrival and departure occurs in predictable sequential waves, however, successions may vary depending on geographical location environmental conditions. Hence, it crucial to refer succession data same region where death scene occurs. A current gap forensic research carrion-breeding species decomposition remains/carrions small islands. Rottnest Island located off south-west coast Perth. The aim this study was establish baseline fauna present island, entomological evidence that aid any future island. Methods: list taxa associated with two decomposing swine hindquarters during summer season compiled over a 15-day period compared published mainland obtained year. Results: Ten representing four families were collected identified association carrion. first wave colonising Diptera included Calliphoridae Sarcophagidae second comprised Muscidae species, addition beetles. Furthermore, ants spiders noted throughout trial. Conclusions: Comparing results currently available from WA, showed composition speciesand patterns similar.