Formicidae Faunal Succession on Buried Rabbit Carcass: Implications for Forensic Entomology

Background: Buried carrion can help in forensic investigation cases determining the post-burial-interval (PBI), movement of body or hiding crime. The current study aims to determine succession ant species on rabbit carcass buried an outdoor habitat King Saud University, Western Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In present study, twelve rabbits were at 20 cm and 40 two different periods. After 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 days, one cadaver from each depth was unearthed. Results: We have found 8 Formicidae, 4 types a only first period, while type second period experiment. experiment, Cataglyphis holgerseni (Formicinae) Cardiocondyla sp. (Myrmicinae) most prevalent depths cm, respectively; however, exposed carcasses, Messor ebeninus predominated both While no specie dominated bodies phase, as numbers very few carcasses. this many Formicidae that correlate stages corpse decomposition previously unknown Arabia recorded. Therefore, it is important may consequences medicolegal issues.