The decomposition process in two restricted access environments in a temperate climate: hard-covered suitcases and wheeled bins

Andie G. Andrews; Paola A. Magni; Ian R. Dadour

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112368

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The decomposition process in two restricted access environments in a temperate climate: hard-covered suitcases and wheeled bins

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

The decomposition process in two restricted access environments in a temperate climate: hard-covered suitcases and wheeled bins

Andie G. Andrews, Paola A. Magni and Ian R. Dadour

Forensic science international, Vol.367, 112368

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112368

PMID: 39883964

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Abstract

adipocere

blowflies

coffin flies

Forensic entomology

PMI

The succession, development, and behavior of necrophagous insects on decomposing remains are used by forensic entomologists to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI). Carcasses are often recovered from concealed environments, such as burials, wrapping, suitcases and waste bins, where they are protected from abiotic and biotic factors, including carrion fauna. The present study represents the first comprehensive research on concealed environments in Australia. Stillborn piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) placed in hard-covered suitcases (N=40, restricted access) and wheeled bins (N=20, partially restricted access) were compared with controls (N=5, exposed) placed on the soil surface, over a period of 164 days (Austral winter to spring). The analysis compared the decomposition process patterns and considered the insect assemblages colonizing the carcasses in each concealment type and the controls. Results show that 1) insects were attracted to the control carcasses within hours of placement in the field (Day 1, D1), followed by wheeled bin carcasses (D3) and suitcase carcasses (D4); 2) carcasses reached skeletonization on D65 (exposed), D108 (wheeled bin) and D136 (suitcase); 3) the assemblages of necrophagous insect species were different between the exposed and the concealed carcasses; 4) blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were the most prevalent insects colonizing the controls and wheeled bins, while coffin flies (Diptera: Phoridae) were the most prevalent in the suitcases, with some colonized by black soldier flies (Diptera: Stratyiomiidae). The results of this research contribute to the understanding of decomposition processes and insect activity in restricted access environments and help provide a more accurate estimation of the minPMI in forensic cases.

Details

Title: The decomposition process in two restricted access environments in a temperate climate: hard-covered suitcases and wheeled bins
Authors/Creators: Andie G. Andrews - School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
Paola A. Magni - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Ian R. Dadour - School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
Publication Details: Forensic science international, Vol.367, 112368
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Number of pages: 11
Identifiers: 991005737344907891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.32 Entomology; 3.32.1638 Forensic Entomology
Web Of Science research areas: Medicine, Legal
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine