Insect Succession Patterns on Decomposing Swine Carcasses in Tasmania: a Summer Study

Insect succession patterns have been studied largely around the world by using thepredictable sequential arrival pattern of different insect species that become attracted to thedecomposing carcass at various stages of the decay. Currently, in some countries there areinsufficient studies detailing the seasonal variation of insect succession patterns ondecomposing remains. To date, there have been no published studies detailing insectsuccession patterns on decomposing remains in the Tasmania. This data is essential as itcan become invaluable during legal investigations, as it can be used in conjunction withexisting methods to assist in determining the time since death. The present research represents the first insect succession pattern study to beundertaken in Tasmania investigating the insect succession patterns on decomposing swinecarcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus Erxleben). For the purpose of this research, 3 swinecarcasses have been placed in two contrasting location sites in Tasmania, agricultural andsuburban, during the summer season. This study aimed to provide a preliminary database,detailing forensically important insects on decomposing carcasses within the Tasmania