Estmation of time interval of the pig carrion by beetle fauna succession in southeast, Nigeria

Background: Beetles (Coleoptera) have been recognized as providing significant entomological evidence in the medico-legal field, particularly with reference to dry human remains. The information collected from carrion beetles in Abakaliki will add to the global data base to assist coronary investigators unravel mysteries surrounding suspicious death in Nigeria. A study was carried out to investigate the succession of beetle fauna in a decomposing pig carrion in Abakaliki Ebonyi State. The study was conducted on poisoned pigs using sniper at the pericardium region and beetles were collected using standard entomological methods. Results: The study lasted twenty-two days with notable characteristic changes observed at the five decomposition waves. A total of five families, and twelve species were collected at various succession pattern of decomposition. The results showed that Buphonella species and Necrubia species were recorded at high interval among the decomposition stages, While Dermestidea recorded the highest family observed. The result also revealed that most beetles collected arrived at the dry decay stage with few attendant patterns at earlier stages. Conclusion: However, this study confers the species of Coleopteran insects of forensic importance and gives a background information about their succession in relation to decomposition stages. This could be used to determine the post mortem interval of human corpse based upon knowledge of the fauna.