Resumen Introducción. Los insectos están asociados a las comunidades humanas con impactos positivos y negativos dentro de cada sociedad. Este aspecto fundamenta el estudio de los insectos como una ciencia llamada entomología, que conlleva el desarrollo de diversas ramas. Debido a la importancia social y económica de esta ciencia en diversos ámbitos de la sociedad panameña, se logró un significativo desarrollo durante los últimos cuarenta años. Objetivo. Determinar las ramas de la entomología aplicadas en Panamá durante las últimas cuatro décadas. Desarrollo. El desarrollo de la entomología en Panamá se enfocó en impulsar la entomología general, agrícola, veterinaria, médica y forense, a través del desarrollo de investigaciones, la enseñanza y el establecimiento de las bases necesarias para impulsar la ciencia. Conclusiones. Cinco ramas que incluyen la entomología general, agrícola, veterinaria, médica y forense constituyeron la piedra angular y el impulso del desarrollo de la entomología como ciencia durante cuarenta años al servicio de la sociedad panameña, justificados en necesidades sociales relacionadas a aspectos de la salud, alimentación y economía. Durante los últimos años también se han incluido temáticas como el medio ambiente, el cambio climático y la sostenibilidad.

Abstract Introduction. Insects are associated with human communities, with positive and negative impacts within each society. This aspect is the basis of the study of insects as a science called entomology, which involves the development of various branches. Due to the social and economic importance of this science in various areas of Panamanian society, a significant development has been achieved during the last forty years. Objective. To determine the branches of entomology applied in Panama during the last four decades. Development. The development of entomology in Panama focused on promoting general, agricultural, veterinary, medical, and forensic entomology through the development of research, teaching, and the establishment of the necessary foundations to promote science. Conclusions. Five branches, including general, agricultural, veterinary, medical, and forensic entomology, constituted the cornerstone and the impetus for the development of entomology as a science for forty years at the service of Panamanian society, justified by social needs related to health, food, and the economic aspects. In recent years topics such as the environment, climate change, and sustainability have also been included.

Resumen Se reportan los primeros registros de dos especies de hormigas, i.e., Hypoponera opacior y Pseudomyrmex seminole y dos géneros, i.e., Acanthosticus y Mycetosoritis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), asociados a etapas de descomposición de necrotrampas colocadas en una zona semiurbana del estado de Yucatán, México.

Abstract First records of two ant species, i.e., Hypoponera opacior and Pseudomyrmex seminole, and two genera, i.e., Acanthosticus, Mycetosoritis, associated with decaying stages of necrotramps established in a semi-urban area of Yucatan, Mexico.

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.

Resumen Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy es una especie colonizadora primaria en cuerpos en descomposición siendo predominante en las estaciones frías en Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se estimó el intervalo post-mortem mínimo (PMImin) usando el crecimiento y longitud larvales como evidencia entomológica precisa del tiempo de muerte transcurrido. Se criaron especímenes a 12, 14, 16 y 18 °C para determinar las tasas de crecimiento larvales y pupales. Se registraron diferencias en los tiempos de desarrollo (43,2 días a 12 °C; 34,3 días a 14 °C; 29,1 días a 16 °C y 24,3 días a 18 °C), observándose tiempos de vida más cortos a mayor temperatura, sin alterarse los rangos de longitud larval (~1,5–18,0 mm). La temperatura también afectó la supervivencia y tamaño de los adultos emergidos; registrándose mayor porcentaje de supervivencia a 14 (29,73%) y 16 °C (38,65%) y mayor mortalidad a temperaturas extremas (19,00% a 12 °C y 12,61% a 18 °C). Los adultos criados a 12 °C fueron los más grandes, las hembras mayores que los machos con una relación inversa entre tamaño y supervivencia. Estos resultados permiten estimar el PMI basado en datos de poblaciones locales en lugar de consultar registros obtenidos en otras regiones.

Abstract Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy is a primary colonizing species of decomposing bodies, being predominant in the cold seasons in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin) was estimated using growth and larval length parameters as the accurate entomological evidence of the elapsed time since death. Specimens were reared at 12, 14, 16, and 18 °C, and the larval and pupal growth rates were determined. Differences in the developmental times were registered (43.2 days at 12 °C, 34.3 days at 14 °C, 29.1 days at 16 °C, and 24.3 days at 18 °C), with the lifespan shortened at higher temperatures, without changing the larval length range (~1.5–18.0 mm). Temperature also influenced the survival and size of emerged adults; the highest percentage of survival registered at 14 (29.73%) and 16 °C (38.65%), and more mortality in extreme temperatures (19.00% at 12 °C and 12.61% at 18 °C). Adults reared at 12 °C were the largest of all, females were longer than males, and body size showed an inverse relationship with survival. These results allowed the PMI estimation based on data from local populations instead of consulting papers based on other regions.

Resumo Moscas necrófagas possuem grande importância para a sanidade humana e animal. Onde estas se desenvolvem ocorrem parasitoides que podem ser utilizados como ferramentas para o controle desses dípteros. No Brasil, a fauna desses parasitoides vem sendo investigada em algumas regiões e no Rio Grande do Sul é conhecida a ocorrência de apenas uma espécie. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi criar a primeira lista de espécies de parasitoides de moscas de importância médica e veterinária ocorrentes no extremo sul do Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas no município de Pelotas (31º 42’ S; 52º 18’ O). Foram montadas três réplicas de bandejas contendo, cada uma, 500 g de fígado bovino, expostas ao ar livre durante 20 dias. Na sequência, as pupas foram individualizadas e observadas até a emergência. Foram identificados 4.882 adultos pertencentes às famílias Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae e Sarcophagidae. Emergiram 4.040 parasitoides, pertencentes a oito espécies, das quais Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis e Tachinephagus zealandicus são novas ocorrências para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas três espécies ainda não descritas do gênero Aphaereta. Apesar de ainda ser um primeiro esforço de inventariar a fauna de himenópteros parasitoides, este estudo pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de programas de manejos desses dípteros na região.

Abstract Necrophagous flies are of great importance for human and animal health. In places where their development occurs, parasitoids can be used as a tool to control these dipterans. In Brazil, the fauna of these parasitoids has been investigated in some regions. However, in Rio Grande do Sul, it is known the occurrence of only one species. Thus, this study aimed to create the first list of parasitoids in flies of medical and veterinary importance in Southern Brazil. Collections took place in the municipality of Pelotas (31º 42’ S; 52º 18’ W). Three replicates consisting of a 500 g bovine liver chunk placed in a tray were exposed to open air for 20 days. Then pupae were individualized and observed until their emergence. We identified 4,882 adult flies of Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae. 4,040 parasitoids emerged, belonging to eight species, of which Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis, and Tachinephagus zealandicus are new records in Rio Grande do Sul state. Also, three undescribed species of the genus Aphaereta were collected. In spite of being the first attempt to inventory the fauna of hymenopteran parasitoids, this study may help in the development of management programs of these dipterans in the region.

ABSTRACT We present the first report of Nasutitermes guayanae feeding on human bone remains found in an urban area of the municipality of Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia, in the Colombian Amazon piedmont. The record indicates an expansion in the diet of these termites. The observation suggests that the association of N. guayanae with decomposing bodies may be a possible tool for the estimation of postmortem intervals.

RESUMEN Presentamos el primer reporte de Nasutitermes guayanae alimentándose de restos óseos humanos encontrados en un área urbana del município de Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia, en el Piedemonte Amazónico colombiano. El registro indica una expasión en la dieta de esas térmitas. La observación sugiere que la asociación de N. guayanae con cuerpos en descomposición puede ser una posible herramienta para la estimación de intervalos postmortem.

Abstract Dermester ater De Geer is recorded for the first time from the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Within the field of Forensic Entomology, it is a species of relevance for its usefulness in the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Adult specimens of this species were collected from mummified and dried remains of pig heads (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) used as necrotraps placed in a semi-urban area. Photographs of D. ater, an identification key and illustrations for the 4 species of Dermestes present in the state are included.

Resumen Se registra por primera vez a Dermestes ater De Geer en el estado de Yucatán, México. Dentro del campo de la Entomología Forense es una especie de relevancia por su utilidad en la estimación del intervalo postmortem (IPM). Ejemplares adultos de esta especie fueron recolectados en los estados de momificación y restos secos de cabezas de cerdo (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) utilizadas como necrotrampas colocadas en una zona semiurbana. Se incluyen fotografías de D. ater, una clave de identificación e ilustraciones para las 4 especies de Dermestes presentes en el estado.

RESUMO Devido à importância médica, veterinária, ambiental e forense do califorídeo Chrysomya putoria (Diptera), foi avaliado o desempenho apresentado por estágios imaturos criados em carne de cavalo. Os espécimes foram colocados em câmaras aclimatizadas reguladas a 30 ºC, 60 ± 10% UR e 14 horas de fotofase. Os estágios larval e pupal concluíram seu desenvolvimento em 4,16 e 4,12 dias, respectivamente. As larvas pós-alimentação e pupas com 24h de idade pesaram, em média, 58,06 e 40,10mg, respectivamente. As taxas de emergência registradas foram de 65% nas condições experimentais propostas. Como os compostos orgânicos voláteis são diferentes na decomposição de um animal para outro, este trabalho e outros realizados com a mesma dieta são os mais apropriados para estimativa de intervalo post mortem envolvendo cavalos.

ABSTRACT Due to medical, veterinary, environmental and forensic importance of the calliphorid Chrysomya putoria (Diptera), the performance presented by immature stages, reared on horse meat, was evaluated. The specimens were placed in acclimatized chambers regulated at 30 ºC, 60 ± 10% RU and 14 hours of photo phase. The larval and pupal stages completed their development in 4, 16 and 4, 12 days, respectively. Post-feeding larvae and aged 24h pupae weight on average 58, 06 and 40, 10 mg, respectively. The emergence rates recorded were 65% under the experimental conditions proposed. As volatile organic compounds are different in the decomposition of one animal to another, this work and others carried out with the same diet are the most appropriate for estimating post-mortem interval involving horses.

Resumen La intoxicación aguda con plaguicidas es un problema de salud pública mundial. En los países en desarrollo los plaguicidas causan hasta un millón de casos de intoxicación y hasta 20.000 muertes anuales. En México, se ha reportado que debido a las intoxicaciones por xenobióticos, entre ellos los plaguicidas, fallecen 1.400 personas anualmente. En el presente trabajo se optimizó un método para detectar y cuantificar malatión en larvas de mosca (Diptera) de tercer estadio, que eclosionaron sobre carne de cerdo Sus scrofa domesticus tratada con la dosis letal de malatión para humanos (60 g/60 kg). Se trabajó con una biomasa de 1,5 g a la cual se le agregó 1,2 mL de fase, se agitó por espacio de 5 min y se centrifugó por 10 min a 10.000 rpm. El sobrenadante se analizó por HPLC, usando una fase de metanol-agua (70/30). El tiempo de retención del malatión fue de 4,1 min. Se encontró que el límite de detección fue de 0,301 ppm de malatión; la técnica y el procedimiento utilizados servirán como herramienta indirecta para identificar la presencia de este tóxico de una manera relativamente sencilla y su uso en casos judiciales.

Abstract Acute pesticide poisoning is a global public health problem. In developing countries pesticides cause up to one million cases of poisoning and up to 20,000 deaths annually. In Mexico, it has been reported that due to intoxications by xenobiotics, among them pesticides, 1,400 people die annually. In the present work a method was optimized to detect and quantify malathion in third instar fly larvae (Diptera) that hatched in pork meat, Sus scrofa domesticus, treated with the lethal dose in humans of malathion (60 g/60 kg). A biomass of 1.5 g which was added 1.2 mL of phase, stirred by space 5 min and centrifuged for 10 min at 10.000 rpm. The supernatant was analyzed by HPLC, using a methanol-water phase (70/30). The retention time of malathion was 4.1 min. The detection limit was calculated at 0.301 ppm. The technique and procedure used will serve as an indirect tool to identify the presence of the toxin in a relatively simple way in court cases.

Abstract The forensic information of criminal interest that can be obtained from a decomposing human corpse can be harmed by postmortem changes. The presence of the water beetle Rhantus validus feeding on a corpse found in an artificial freshwater pond in Peñehue, Región de La Araucanía, Chile, and postmortem artifacts caused by their necrophagous activity is reported. These skin modifications can be confused with antemortem injuries. The ecological conditions that allow this feeding behavior and the forensic repercussions of this finding are discussed.

Resumen La información forense de interés criminalístico que se puede obtener desde un cuerpo humano en descomposición puede ser perjudicada por los cambios postmortem. Se reporta la presencia del ditíscido Rhantus validus alimentándose sobre un cuerpo humano encontrado en un estanque artificial de agua dulce en Peñehue, Región de La Araucanía, Chile, y los artefactos postmortem causados por su actividad necrófaga. Estas modificaciones en la piel pueden ser confundidas con heridas antemortem. Las condiciones ecológicas que permiten este comportamiento trófico y las repercusiones forenses de este hallazgo son discutidas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: L. eximia is a species that shows a wide geographical distribution in Costa Rica, whose populations are stable throughout the year. The biological characteristics of L. eximia allow it to be considered as a potential forensic indicator for the calculation of the minimum post mortem interval (PMI). Objective: To compare the PMI calculated by a thermal accumulation model with L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with the PMI in corpses of pigs (Sus scrofa). Methods: Two pig corpses were exposed in a tropical premontane moist forest. Larvae of L. eximia were collected from the pig carcasses at 78, 144 and 192 hours after the moment of death, and their development was promoted under controlled conditions. With the data generated, thermal back-projections were made to calculate the PMI. Results: L. eximia required a total of 7 236.50 accumulated degree hours (ADH) to complete its life cycle. The IPMs calculated by the thermal accumulation model were 112.56, 153.60, and 104.64 hours, respectively. Only the intermediate value did not present statistically significant differences with the known time of death (p>0.05). Conclusions: The thermal accumulation model using L. eximia as a forensic indicator provided accurate information about the PMI only when samples were collected at 144 hours, which indicates that this method may be accurate and useful during the first stages of cadaveric decomposition.

RESUMEN Introducción: L. eximia es una especie de amplia distribución geográfica en Costa Rica, cuyas poblaciones son estables durante todo el año. Las características biológicas de ésta permiten concebirla como un potencial indicador forense para el cálculo del intervalo post mortem mínimo (IPM). Objetivo: Comparar el IPM calculado mediante un modelo de acumulación térmica con L. eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), con el IPM real en cadáveres de cerdos domésticos (Sus scrofa). Material y Métodos: Dos cadáveres de cerdo fueron expuestos en un bosque premontano húmedo tropical. A partir de dichos cadáveres se colectaron larvas de L. eximia a las 78, 144 y 192 horas posteriores al momento de muerte y se propició su desarrollo en condiciones controladas. Con los datos generados, se realizaron retroproyecciones térmicas para efectuar el cálculo del IPM. Resultados: L. eximia requirió en total 7 236,50 grados- hora acumulados (ADH) para culminar su desarrollo. Los IPM calculados mediante el modelo de acumulación térmica para los tres momentos de colecta fueron 112,56; 153,60 y 104,64 horas. Únicamente el valor intermedio no presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas con el tiempo de muerte conocido (p>0.05). Conclusiones: El modelo de acumulación térmica en que se utilizó L. eximia brindó información precisa sobre el IPM sólo cuando se tomaron las muestras en el campo a las 144 horas, lo que perfila su utilidad para las primeras etapas de la descomposición cadavérica.

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.

RESUMEN Se evaluó la composición, riqueza y abundancia relativa de especies de las comunidades de Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Fanniidae en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y se examinó cómo estas características son afectadas por las condiciones estacionales y antropogénicas. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante 2014 y 2015 en trece sitios con diferentes niveles de urbanización, comparando las estaciones de verano cálido-húmedo e invierno frío-seco. Se recolectaron moscas adultas en cada sitio utilizando dos trampas cebadas con harina de hueso hidratada. Se recogieron 1683 moscas, pertenecientes a doce géneros y 22 especies. Varias de las especies recolectadas son relevantes en las ciencias forenses. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) y Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No se observaron diferencias en la riqueza ni en las abundancias relativas entre los sitios urbanos centrales y los sitios suburbanos periféricos; sin embargo, la riqueza se correlacionó con la densidad de construcción local (250 m de área buffer). La composición por especies difirió entre los sitios urbanos y suburbanos. Las abundancias relativas por especie fueron más uniformes en verano. Las disparidades en los ensambles se debieron principalmente a las diferencias en las abundancias relativas de algunas especies, lo que refleja su adaptabilidad a paisajes con diferente urbanización. Independientemente de la estación del año o de la densidad de urbanización, la riqueza de especies y el número efectivo de especies fueron mayores en las trampas al sol que a la sombra. Estos resultados sugieren que en la ciudad de Córdoba tanto el paisaje como los factores locales explican las variaciones en la comunidad de moscas necrófagas.

ABSTRACT Species composition, richness, and relative abundance of the communities of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Fanniidae in Córdoba city, Argentina was assessed, and how these characteristics are affected by seasonal and anthropogenic conditions was studied. The study was carried out in thirteen sites with various levels of urbanization during 2014 and 2015, comparing two seasons: the warmer-wet summer and the cold-dry winter. Adult flies were collected in each site using two traps baited with hydrated bone meal. A total of 1683 flies were collected, belonging to twelve genera and 22 species. Several of the species collected are relevant to forensic sciences. The most frequent species were Hydrotaea aenescens (Muscidae) and Fannia fusconotata (Fanniidae). No differences in necrophagous fly richness or relative abundances between the central urban sites and the periphery suburban sites were observed; however, richness was significantly correlated with local (250 m buffer area) built-up density. Species composition differed between the urban and suburban sites. Seasonal differences were also detected: the relative abundances per species were more even in the summer. Dissimilarities in the assemblages were mainly due to differences in the relative abundances of some species, reflecting their adaptability to landscapes with different degree of urbanization. Regardless of season or urbanization density, species richness and effective number of species were higher in traps placed in the sun as opposed to shade. Taken together, these results suggest that in Córdoba city both landscape and local factors explain variations in the necrophagous fly community.

Resumen Muchas especies de artrópodos principalmente moscas (Diptera) y sus ácaros foréticos son atraídos por la carroña. Este es el primer registro de ácaros foréticos y parásitos Leptus sp., Macrocheles muscaedomesticae y Longoseius brachypoda, en moscas necrófagas en Brasil.

Abstract Many arthropod species, mainly flies (Diptera) and their phoretic mites are attracted by carrion. This is the first record of phoretic and parasitic mites Leptus sp., Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and Longoseius brachypoda associated with necrophagous flies in Brazil.

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.