ABSTRACT Entomofauna associated with decaying cadavers may be useful in criminal investigation, either through the development of immature insects of interest or through entomological succession in corpses. These factors may vary if the insects are exposed to toxic substances that can modify the insect's developmental cycle, as well as its own occurrence, which would imply significant changes in the results of any investigation. However, there are few studies on how contamination by toxic compounds can affect the action of insects on carcasses and their consequence for forensic expertise. Therefore, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that the normal visitation of flies and beetles is altered in insecticide-contaminated carcasses. The experiment was carried out in a sugarcane plantation, using pig carcasses contaminated with insecticide and the same number of carcasses without any type of contamination as a control. In all experiments, the contaminated carcasses reached the final phase of decomposition in a longer time than the uncontaminated carcasses of the control group. A total of 2.767 specimens were collected and identified, 2.103 individuals from the order Diptera and 664 from the order Coleoptera. There was a significant geometric regression adjustment during the decomposition phases only for the control group, different from the contaminated carcasses in which this pattern did not occur. Results show that contamination by insecticide alters decomposition time and phase, altering the action of flies and beetles, affecting the abundance, composition of species as well as their activities, which can alter the data used by experts in criminal experts. investigation corpses insect s cycle occurrence However expertise Therefore insecticidecontaminated plantation experiments group 2767 2 767 2.76 identified 2103 103 2.10 66 Coleoptera occur abundance activities 276 76 2.7 210 10 2.1 6 27 7 2. 21 1

ABSTRACT The composting technique has been increasingly highlighted in poultry production units, as an efficient and low-cost solution for the destination of carcasses. The process is based on the accelerated decomposition of organic material under high temperatures, associated with eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and the time necessary for the elimination of Salmonella Gallinarum in carcasses of poultry submitted to the composting process. The composting was carried out following the models used in the field, and microbiological analysis was performed in five different periods: 45, 90, 120, 150 and 180-days after closing the composter. After 90 days of experiment and in the subsequent analysis, the elimination of the bacteria in 100% of the samples was verified, validating the composting process as an effective method for eliminating S. Gallinarum in poultry carcasses, when respecting the period necessary for the elimination of the bacteria and the good quality of the structure adopted for the process. units lowcost low cost temperatures microorganisms field periods 45 120 15 180days 180 composter 9 100 verified S 4 12 1 18 10

Abstract Areas of high concentration of seal carcasses have been observed in localized areas of James Ross Island, Antarctica. Such carcasses show an unusual vegetation development, in a semi-arid area with bare soils under intense winds, high salinity and sandy texture. We investigated carcasses of seals around a lake in James Ross Island, with four different stages of decomposition, with three replicates: Seal (S01), with recently mummified carcasses; S02, with partially degraded carcasses; S03, with broken carcasses with partially degraded exposed bones, and S04, with completely broken, scattered skeletons. The vegetation showed a maximum degree of development in carcasses at stages S02 and S03, with the environment between the skin and the skeleton as the preferred place for vegetation establishment. The chemical alteration was greater with increasing carcass decomposition but reduced with the spreading and final decomposition of the bones, with anomalous values observed only in the vicinity of the carcasses. It is concluded that the presence of carcasses of seals, concentrated in wet places, even in a semi-desert climate, represent important oases of nutrients, with a combination of physical and chemical effects throughout the decomposition process that favor plant establishment and succession. Island Antarctica semiarid semi arid winds texture replicates S01, S01 S , (S01) S03 bones S04 skeletons S0 places semidesert desert climate nutrients succession (S01 (S0 (S

Resumen Con el fin de profundizar en el conocimiento sobre los efectos de determinados insectos sobre el registro óseo de la Depresión del río Salado, se desarrolló un experimento actualístico con la especie Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) y restos actuales de cuatro especies de fauna de diferentes tamaños (Myocastor coypus, Dasypus hybridus, Ovis aries, Oryctolagus cuniculus). D. maculatus es un coleóptero cosmopolita que coloniza carcasas que se encuentran en superficie y en etapas avanzadas de descomposición para consumir tejido muscular seco. Ocasionalmente, puede modificar los huesos y dejar marcas. En un contenedor se colocaron 15 unidades esqueletarias -con diferentes estados de integridad y cantidad de tejido muscular- y una colonia de D. maculatus; luego, se registraron semanalmente durante seis meses el estado de los restos y el comportamiento de los insectos. Se observó mayor actividad en especímenes fracturados y con tejido. Los huesos fueron limpiados y analizados con lupa trinocular (8-40x). Se registraron escasas estrías en tres especímenes, uno de ellos sin tejido fresco desde el inicio de la experiencia. Estos resultados contribuyen a la información disponible sobre las modificaciones de D. maculatus en el registro óseo y su rol como agente tafonómico.

Abstract To deepen the current knowledge about the effects of certain insects on the bone record of the Salado River Depression, we carried out an actualistic experiment using the species Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and modern bones of four faunal species of different size (Myocastor coypus, Dasypus hybridus, Ovis aries, Oryctolagus cuniculus). D. maculatus is a cosmopolitan beetle that colonizes surface carcasses in advanced stages of decomposition to consume dry muscle tissue. Occasionally, it can modify the bones and leave marks. 15 skeletal units with different states of integrity and amount of muscle tissue were disposed in a container with a colony of D. maculatus; then, a weekly record for six months was made by observing changes in the remains and in the behavior of the insects. Greater activity was observed in fractured specimens and with tissue. Subsequently, the bones were removed, cleaned, and analyzed with a trinocular microscope (8-40x). Few striae were recorded only on three specimens, one of them without fresh tissue since the beginning of the experiment. These results contribute to the available data regarding the modifications of D. maculatus on the bone record and its role as a taphonomic agent.

ABSTRACT Corpses in Brazil are commonly hidden in sugarcane plantations in the attempt to delay their finding and hinder the solution of the crime. On the other hand, these plantations are regularly sprayed with insecticides for pest control. Until now no study has reported the effects of insecticides on ant fauna. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that if a body hidden in a monoculture is accidentally contaminated by an insecticide, both the carcass decomposition pattern and the Formicidae fauna will be affected. To accomplish this, pig carcasses contaminated and non-contaminated were placed in a sugarcane monoculture environment and subsequently examined for data collection every 24 hours. The concentration used to contaminate the carcasses was 20 grams per liter of thiamethoxam. The decomposition patterns of contaminated carcasses were changed, in turn affecting the behavior of Formicidae fauna. A total of 5318 ants were collected, 3397 in contaminated carcasses and 1919 in non-contaminated carcasses, and 30 species of 11 genera were identified. According to the analysis, there are no differences between the composition of species between contaminated and non-contaminated carcasses, however, a significant difference was observed in the composition of species along the stages of decomposition between the two types of carcasses. Therefore, our hypothesis has been confirmed, contaminated carcasses undergo changes in their normal pattern of decomposition and the fauna of ants that act on them. As this group of insects has great importance for forensic sciences, the analysis of the experts should take these results into account.

Abstract The Calliphoridae family is an essential component of the post mortem interval (PMI) for their developed ability to detect decaying human bodies at great distances, also for their ability to colonize carcasses at different temperatures in multiple geographic areas. We report for the first time, four species for the state of Yucatan, Mexico: Chrysomya putoria Wiedemann, Chysomya rufifacies Macquart, Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann, and L. sericata Meigen. We provide an identification key with illustrations included for the nine species present in the state and we include comments of their distribution.

Resumen La familia Calliphoridae es un componente integral de la estimación del intervalo post mortem (IPM) debido a su desarrollada capacidad para detectar la descomposición de cadáveres a grandes distancias y la habilidad para colonizarlos a diferentes temperaturas en diversas áreas geográficas. Se reportan cuatro primeros registros de la familia Calliphoridae para la entomofauna de Yucatán, México: Chrysomya putoria Wiedemann, Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart, Lucilia cuprina Wiedemanny y L. sericata Meigen. Se incluye una clave de identificación e ilustraciones para las nueve especies presentes en el estado y comentarios sobre su distribución.

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the main animal species that act on carcasses of large ungulates and their potential as taphonomic agents in an area near the southern end of the Salinas Grandes de Córdoba. To this end, three camera-trap surveys were conducted on Bos taurus and Lama guanicoe carcasses, covering 194 trap days between November 2017 and May 2019. In addition, preliminary observations were made of the disarticulation, dispersal, and traces generated by different taphonomic agents acting on the carcasses in order to contribute to the understanding of the natural formation processes of zooarchaeological assemblages in the region. The monitoring recorded 5869 animals and identified 30 species. The data suggested that modifications observed on carcasses in the region may have been produced by a variety of animals that exceeds those usually considered in zooarchaeological studies. The species with the greatest potential to generate taphonomic modifications were the native mammal, Lycalopex griseus, and two introduced mammals, Sus scrofa and Canis lupus familiaris. The activity of L. griseus is notable for having been recorded both in the early stages of decomposition and on a skeletonized carcass. S. scrofa and C. lupus familiaris activity occurred in the immediate post-mortem stages and was mainly responsible for bone dispersal and destruction. Among birds, accipitriformes and falconiformes were recorded consuming the carcasses, but their potential to generate detectable traces in the archaeological record is uncertain. Finally, trampling by large ungulates was recorded.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en identificar las principales especies animales que actúan sobre carcasas de ungulados de gran porte en un área cercana al extremo austral de las Salinas Grandes de Córdoba y su potencial como agentes tafonómicos. Con este fin, se realizaron tres monitoreos con cámaras trampa sobre carcasas de Bos taurus . Lama guanicoe y se completaron 194 días-trampa entre noviembre de 2017 y mayo de 2019. Además, se efectuaron observaciones preliminares sobre desarticulación, dispersión y trazas generadas por distintos agentes tafonómicos sobre las carcasas, a fin de contribuir a nuestro entendimiento sobre los procesos naturales de formación de conjuntos zooarqueológicos en la región. Los monitoreos permitieron registrar 5869 animales e identificar 30 especies. Nuestro registro sugiere que las modificaciones observadas en las carcasas de la región pueden ser producidas por una variedad de animales que excede a los habitualmente considerados en estudios zooarqueológicos. Las especies con mayor potencial de generar modificaciones tafonómicas fueron un mamífero autóctono, Lycalopex griseus, y dos introducidos, Sus scrofa y Canis lupus familiaris. La actividad de L. griseus fue registrada tanto en las etapas iniciales de descomposición como en una carcasa esqueletizada. S. scrofa y C. lupus familiaris se presentaron en las etapas inmediatamente post mortemy fueron los principales responsables de la dispersión y destrucción ósea. Entre las aves, se destaca la presencia de accipitriformes y falconiformes consumiendo las carcasas, pero su potencial para generar trazas detectables en el registro arqueológico es incierto. Por último, se detectó pisoteo por parte de grandes ungulados.

Abstract The accuracy of traditional methods to sample planktonic microcrustaceans depends on two assumptions: that organisms are alive during sampling and that all carcasses can be identified despite their degradation state, but fresh carcasses are not easy to distinguish by traditional methods. Previous studies about mortality have shown that neglecting dead organisms can provide biased ecological information. Thus, our objective was to determine the mortality rate and the proportion of dead microcrustacean in three tropical reservoirs. Sampling was carried out in 12 stations during two periods. The proportion of dead organisms was verified using aniline blue and it varied between 0.6% and 90.6%. The carcass decomposition period varied between 3 to 16 days and microcrustaceans mortality rate varied between 0.005 and 0.314 d-1. Traditional preservation techniques with formalin do not significantly overestimate species abundance. However, these values should not be disregarded, because corrected (disregarding organisms that were dead) and formalin-preserved abundances were correlated with distinct limnological descriptors. Therefore, the traditional formalin preservation technique could provide misleading ecological interpretations. Other studies over larger temporal scales in addition to experiments to evaluate the effects of viruses, parasitism and the toxic effects of cyanobacteria on zooplankton would enlighten mortality rate patterns in freshwater ecosystems.

Resumen Mediante el conocimiento de las sustancias volátiles de olor por descomposición residual se puede mejorar el adiestramiento de perros de venteo y las técnicas forenses para la recuperación de víctimas. El propósito de este estudio es caracterizar los compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) de descomposición en suelos contaminados con restos porcinos en estado de descomposición a lo largo de varias fases en un entorno exterior. Se utilizó un modelo de simulación de carne de cerdo y de cadáveres de cerdos en lugar de cadáveres humanos, los cuales se dejaron descomponer durante tres períodos de tiempo distintos: 14, 17 y 21 días; posteriormente se retiraron del lugar de depósito. Después de la extracción, el espacio vacío de las muestras de suelo, tomadas de debajo de la isla de descomposición cadavérica (CDI, por sus siglas en inglés), se analizaron una vez por semana durante un período de 4 semanas utilizando la microextracción en fase sólida -cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas (SPME-GC/MS, por sus siglas en inglés) como método de análisis instrumental. Si bien se han realizado estudios limitados con respecto a los olores residuales volátiles en las matrices del suelo, el objetivo de esta labor es ampliar aún más los conocimientos analíticos acerca de las sustancias volátiles de olor por descomposición residual añadiendo otra ubicación geográfica como la región del oeste de Texas, caracterizada por condiciones climáticas áridas y más frías. Se llevó a cabo la caracterización de los COV de interés, destacando las tendencias en la abundancia y presencia en función del contacto de los restos con la superficie del suelo, así como los tiempos de recolección del suelo después de la eliminación de los restos.

Abstract Knowledge of decomposition residual odor volatiles can improve cadaver dog training and forensic techniques for victim recovery. The purpose of this study is to characterize decomposition VOCs in soils contaminated with decomposing porcine remains throughout various decomposition phases in an outdoor environment. Both a pig-meat simulation model as well as pig carcasses were used in place of human cadavers, allowed to decompose for three distinctive time periods, 14, 17 and 21 days, and then removed from the deposition site. After removal, the headspace of soil samples, taken from under the cadaver decomposition island (CDI), were analyzed once per week for a period of 4 weeks using solid phase micro extraction- gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) as the instrumental analysis method. While there have been limited studies in terms of volatile residual odor in soil matrices, it is the goal of this work to further expand the analytical knowledge of residual decomposition odor volatiles by adding another geographical location such as the West Texas region characterized by arid and colder climate conditions. Characterization of VOCs of interest was conducted highlighting trends in abundance and presence as a function of remains contact with soil surface as well as post-remains removal soil collection times.

Resumo Através do conhecimento das substâncias odoríferas voláteis devido à decomposição residual, podem ser aprimorados o treinamento dos cães farejadores e as técnicas forenses para a recuperação das vítimas. O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar compostos orgânicos voláteis de decomposição (COV) em solos contaminados com restos suínos em estado de decomposição ao longo de várias fases em um ambiente externo. Foi utilizado um modelo de simulação de carne de porco e carcaças de suínos em vez de carcaças humanas, que foram deixadas em decomposição por três períodos diferentes: 14, 17 e 21 dias; eles foram posteriormente removidos do local de depósito. Após a extração, o espaço vazio das amostras de solo, retiradas da ilha de decomposição cadavérica (CDI em inglês), foram analisadas uma vez por semana durante um período de 4 semanas usando microextração em fase sólida - cromatografia gasosa / espectrometria de massa (SPME-GC / MS em inglês) como método de análise instrumental. Embora tenham sido realizados estudos limitados sobre odores residuais voláteis em matrizes de solo, o objetivo deste trabalho é expandir ainda mais o conhecimento analítico sobre substâncias voláteis de odor residual de decomposição, adicionando outra localização geográfica, como a região do Oeste do Texas, caracterizado por condições climáticas áridas e frias. Foi realizada a caracterização dos COVs de interesse, destacando as tendências de abundância e presença em função do contato dos restos com a superfície do solo, bem como os tempos de coleta do solo após a remoção dos restos.

ABSTRACT In Mexico, pork farms generate organic residues which often are not appropriately treated before being discharged to waste waters or are treated by methods that directly or indirectly damage the environment. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a bacterial inoculum on the degradation of organic residues under composting conditions. Solid residues from the effluent sump in a pig farm were mixed with sawdust to form a degradation matrix, where pig carcasses were composted. This artificial ecosystem was used to promote the growth and eventual isolation of various microbial species, which were then used to produce a bacterial endogenous inoculum that was maintained in a minimum basal medium based on compost extract in a mineral solution. The inoculum was added to three 150-kg degradation matrices. Three reference matrices, prepared from pig carcasses as described above, were added with 0.1 % peptone solution only. After 98 days of composting, microbiological and bromatological analysis, as well as a bioassay, showed that the inoculum accelerated the decomposition of pig carcasses. Furthermore, the time required to decrease the pathogenic microbial load was reduced in inoculated matrices and the germination index of Raphanus sativus seeds improved, while nitrogen content increased continuously.

RESUMEN Las unidades de producción porcinas en México generan residuos orgánicos que hasta el momento no se han tratado adecuadamente, o bien los métodos existentes afectan el ambiente de manera directa o indirecta. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del uso de un inóculo bacteriano sobre la descomposición de ciertos residuos orgánicos sometidos al proceso de compostaje. Se emplearon residuos sólidos extraídos de la fosa recolectora de aguas residuales de una granja porcina y se mezclaron con aserrín para formar una matriz de degradación donde se colocaron cadáveres de cerdo. Este ecosistema fomentó el desarrollo y posterior aislamiento de especies microbianas que se usaron para elaborar un inóculo endógeno bacteriano mantenido en un medio mínimo basal, constituido por extracto de compost en una solución mineral. El inóculo endógeno elaborado se adicionó a tres matrices de 150 kg cada una, y se construyeron otras tres matrices de referencia -todas las cuales contenían cadáveres de cerdo- que sólo recibieron agua peptonada al 0.1 %. Después de un periodo de compostaje de 98 días y tras un análisis bromatológico, microbiológico y un bioensayo, se observó que el inóculo aceleró la descomposición de los cadáveres de cerdo. También se redujo el tiempo necesario para disminuir la carga microbiana patógena. Adicionalmente, el índice de germinación de las semillas de rábano mejoró en las matrices inoculadas, mientras que el contenido de nitrógeno aumentó con el tiempo.

ABSTRACT We evaluated the occurrence of social wasps in the decomposition process in tropical rainforest in central Amazonia (Ducke Reserve, Manaus, Brazil), using cadavers of rats as attractants, exposed in suspended cages. Ten species, in three genera, of social wasps were collected only in the initial stages of decay (fresh and bloated). Five species were collected, mainly in the fresh stage, feeding on flesh: Agelaia angulata, Agelaia constructor, Agelaia fulvofasciata, Agelaia pallipes and Angiopolybia pallens. Five species were collected, mainly in the bloated stage, feeding on flesh and eggs and first instar larvae of dipteran: Agelaia testacea, Angiopolybia obidensis, Apoica arborea, Apoica pallens and Apoica thoracica. Due to the aspect of the injuries caused by the wasps to the carcass, they may be mistaken as skin ulcers, burns or abrasions, which may mislead a forensic investigation.

Resumen Objetivos: Analizar la sucesión de insectos asociados a la descomposición de cuerpos en dos ecosistemas acuáticos en la Amazonia Andina. Metodología: Tres cadáveres fueron ubicados en una quebrada y tres en un lago, los muestreos se realizaron cada cinco horas desde el momento de la muerte hasta su esqueletización. Resultados: La descomposición total duró 14 días en la quebrada y 16 en el lago. Seis estadios de descomposición fueron observados: fresco sumergido; flotación temprana; flotación tardía; deterioro de la flotación; restos flotantes y restos sumergidos. En total se colectaron 1172 individuos en la quebrada y 1585 en el lago. Los gremios tróficos identificados fueron: trituradores; colectores; depredadores; necrófagos; sarcosaprófagos e incidentales. En la quebrada, los trituradores tricópteros fueron los más representativos en la etapa fresco sumergido. En el lago los trituradores, moscas de mayo y los depredadores hemípteros y odonatos fueron los más representativos en la etapa de flotación temprana. Los dípteros necrófagos y sarcosaprófagos fueron los más representativos en las etapas donde el cuerpo estuvo expuesto a la superficie en ambos ecosistemas. Conclusiones: El ISMP para ambos cadáveres fue similar en los dos hábitats, cada uno evidenció seis etapas de descomposición, lo que confirma que la descomposición en los ecosistemas acuáticos es diferente a la observada para los entornos terrestres.

Abstract Objectives: Analyze the succession of insects associated with the decomposition of bodies in two aquatic ecosystems in the Andean Amazon. Scope: Provide information on the insects associated with bodies that decompose within aquatic habitats and the duration times of each decomposition phase as a tool for the determination of the post-mortem submerged interval (PMSI). Methodology: Three carcasses were placed in a stream and three in a lake, the sampling carried out every five hours, from the moment of death to its skeletonization. Main results: Total decomposition lasted for 14 days in the stream and 16 days in the lake. Six decomposition stages were observed: submerged fresh, early floating, floating decay, bloated deterioration, floating remains and sunken remains. A total of 1172 organisms were collected on the carcasses in the stream and 1585 in the lake. Trophic relationships identified were: Shredders, collectors, predators, necrophages, sarcosaprophages and incidentals. In the stream, the caddisfly shredders were the most representative organisms in the submerged fresh stage. In the lake, the mayfly shredders, and hemipterous and odonate predators, were the most representative organisms in the early floating stage. The necrophagous and sarcosaprophagous diptera were the most representative organisms in the stages exposed to the surface in both ecosystems. Conclusions: The PMSI for both carcasses was similar in the two habitats, each showing six stages of decomposition, confirming that decomposition in lotic and lentic ecosystems is different from that observed for terrestrial environments.

RESUMO A entomologia forense é uma ferramenta frequentemente utilizada para estimar o intervalo de tempo entre a morte e a descoberta do corpo. Na área rural do município de Florencia, Caquetá, foi monitorada a sucessão de artrópodes associados à decomposição cadavérica, utilizando como modelo de estudo os cadáveres de três porcos (Sus scrofa). A amostragem de insetos e coleta de dados ambientais foram realizadas a cada cinco horas. A duração total do processo desde a morte até a esqueletização foi de 545 horas (22,7 dias). Foram coletados 30833 espécimes de insetos, distribuídos em nove ordens, 46 famílias, 95 gêneros e 106 espécies. Diptera foi o grupo mais representativo, com 23215 indivíduos (75,3%), seguido de Coleoptera, com 3711 indivíduos (12%) e Hymenoptera, com 3154 indivíduos (10,2%). Os estágios imaturos de Cochliomyia macellaria, Chrysomya albiceps, Hemilucilia semidiaphana e Ophyra aenescens foram as principais espécies envolvidas no consumo de tecidos e na aceleração do processo de decomposição. Devido à presença de formigas Cheliomyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. e Dinoponera sp. e de besouros Hister sp., Acylophorus sp. e Philonthus spp., não foi possível obter massas de ovos de Diptera suficientes para a criação de espécies colonizadoras. Nosso estudo fornece subsídios para determinar o intervalo post-mortem em investigações policiais e promover a entomologia forense em uma área rural da Amazônia Andina na Colômbia.

ABSTRACT Forensic entomology is a frequently used tool to estimate the time interval between death and the discovery of the corpse. Succession of arthropods associated with cadaveric decomposition was monitored in a rural area of the Municipality of Florencia, Department of Caquetá, Colombia. Three pigs (Sus scrofa) were used as study models. Insect sampling, and monitoring of carcasses and environmental conditions were carried out every five hours. The total time from death to skeletonization was of 545 hours (22.7 days). A total of 30833 insect individuals were collected. Specimens were distributed in nine orders, 46 families, 95 genera and 106 species. Diptera was the most abundant, with 23215 individuals (75.3%), followed by Coleoptera, with 3711 individuals (12%), and Hymenoptera, with 3154 individuals (10.2%). Immature stages of Cochliomyia macellaria, Chrysomya albiceps, Hemilucilia semidiaphana and Ophyra aenescens were the main species involved in tissue consumption and acceleration of the decomposition process. Due to the presence of ants Cheliomyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. and Dinoponera sp., and coleopterans Hister sp., Acylophorus sp. and Philonthus spp., it was not possible to obtain sufficient Diptera egg masses for rearing the colonizing species. These results can be used as a standard to determine the postmortem interval in criminal investigations in the rural area of the Andean Amazon, Caquetá, Colombia.

ABSTRACTSarcophagidae species are frequent and abundant in the decomposition process of corpses and, consequently, play an important role as a tool for the application of Forensic Entomology. Helicobia pilifera Lopes, 1939, Microcerella erythropyga (Lopes, 1936), Oxysarcodexia fringidea Curran & Walley, 1934 and Peckia (Peckia) pexata(Wulp, 1895) were recorded for the first time in a Forensic Entomology experiment in Rio de Janeiro, using domestic pig carcasses as substrate.

ABSTRACTPostmortem injuries are a source of misinterpretations in forensic analysis and therefore are subject matter of taphonomic interest. Many types of injuries can cause different artifacts, which deserve attention of the forensic pathologists when evaluating corpses, either at the crime scene or during an autopsy. Insects can be important biotaphonomic agents and their activity may result in artifacts that resemble antemortem injuries. Here, we describe postmortem injuries caused by the Neotropical wasp Agelaia fulvofasciata (Degeer, 1773) on domestic pig carcasses weighting 15 kg. The specimens showed extensive injuries to the lower lip, similar to lacerations, and some minor lesions on the snout and anus. In addition, we observed the same wasp species preying on larvae of Sarcophagidae (Peckia sp.). Besides causing postmortem injuries, the ability of this species to detect carcasses in the early and fresh decomposition stages should be noted. Thus, future applications aiming criminal, any biotaphonomic events caused by carrion insects need to be disclosed.