Differences in succession of Coleoptera species attracted to pig carcasses in rural and urban habitats in Eskisehir Province, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine Coleoptera succession in pig carcasses in Eskisehir Province, Turkey, and to evaluate differences in successional patterns between rural and urban habitats. A total of 24 pig carcasses were placed in rural and urban areas in Eskisehir Province for one-year period between June 2012 and May 2013. A total of 80 species belonging to the families Staphylinidae, Histeridae, Dermestidae, Silphidae and Cleridae (Coleoptera) were collected either directly from carcasses or sifted for the specimens hiding in the soil. The months and duration of all species on the different stages of carcass decomposition were recorded. In addition, new records were added to the Coleoptera fauna of carcass for Turkey. The study revealed that, both species number and activity periods were different even in areas very close to each other. It is suggested that this type of long-term succession study should be performed across all provinces of Turkey. Acquired data could potentially be used for estimating the minimum post-mortem interval in forensic cases in Turkey.