ABSTRACT Insects attracted to cadavers can be used to estimate postmortem interval (PMI). In this study, inmature stages and adults of Dermestes maculatus and Chrysomya albiceps were collected in association with a human cadaver in a closed aquatic environment in Caquetá, Colombia, and analyzed to determine the PMI. We also conducted an experiment with a pig carcass to estimate the emersion time, which began three days after carcass submersion. The minimum PMI was 481.5 hours. Time of death, time of emersion and period of insect activity matched the actions of the murder suspects, who confessed to murdering the victim 25 days prior to the discovery of the body.

RESUMEN Los insectos atraídos a cadáveres pueden ser usados para estimar el intervalo post mortem (IPM). En este estudio, una muestra de estados inmaduros y adultos de Dermestes maculatus y Chrysomya albiceps fueron recolectados en asociación con un cadáver humano en un ambiente cerrado y acuático en Caquetá, Colombia, y analizada para determinar el IPM. Además, se condujo un experimento con un cadáver porcino para estimar el tiempo de emersión, que comenzó tres días después de la sumersión del cadáver. El IPM mínimo fue 481.5 horas. El tiempo de muerte, tiempo de emersión y el periodo de actividad insectil coincidieron con las acciones de los sospechosos del crimen, quienes confesaron haber asesinado a la víctima 25 días antes del descubrimiento del cadáver.

Carcasses represent a trophic and reproductive resource or shelter for arthropods, which are a representative component of the decomposition process. Four experiments, one per season, were conducted in a semi-rural area of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, to study the trophic roles of cadaveric beetles, evaluating the abundance, composition and dominance during all decomposition stages and seasons. Species of necrophagous, necrophilous and omnivorous habits were found. Abundance, composition and dominance of beetles in relation to their trophic roles changed according to seasons and decomposition stages. Guilds and patterns of succession were established in relation to those periods. Trophic roles could be an indicator of beetle associations with decomposition stages and seasons.

The species Nitidula carnaria (Schaller) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) has economic and forensics importance. The mature larva, reared under controlled conditions of laboratory, was described for the first time. Moreover, preliminary information about the life cycle is provided. The time recorded from the instance mates placed together to the emergence of imago was 59 ± 2.4 days. This publication represents the first record of N. carnaria in South America.

La especie Nitidula carnaria (Schaller) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) tiene importancia económica y forense. Por primera vez, se describe la larva madura criada bajo condiciones controladas de laboratorio. Además, se suministra información preliminar del ciclo de vida. Desde la formación de parejas reproductivas hasta obtener el imago, el tiempo registrado fue de 59 ± 2,4 días. Esta publicación es el primer reporte de N. carnaria en Sudámerica.