Scavenging behavior of vertebrates and invertebrates on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) carrion in a New England environment
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Forensic entomology is the use of arthropods and their ecology to answer legal questions. Arthropods, along with vertebrate scavengers, temperature, and other abiotic conditions, play an important role in the rate of decomposition. It is important for forensic professionals to consider these factors when it comes to interpreting the evidence found on a scene. The present research objectives were to: (1) investigate the effects of Late Spring (April/May) and Early Autumn (September) on scavenging behaviors in an anthropogenic protected wooded/wetland ecosystems; (2) observe the influence of vertebrate scavenging on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) carrion; and (3) quantify the production of flies from rabbit carrion in anthropogenic protected wooded/wetland ecosystems. It was hypothesized that vertebrate scavengers will have a greater effect on the decomposition rate compared to invertebrate scavengers. The sample size for this study consisted of 14 rabbit carcasses. Rabbit carcasses were placed at the Outdoor Research Facility (ORF) at Holliston, MA and Curry College’s campus at Milton, MA. The rabbit carcasses were placed in eight different locations total from both sites. Vertebrate scavengers were recorded via Digital Trail Camera SL112 and GardePro Trail Camera A3S models. Invertebrate scavengers were collected from the carrion and quantified. The results for the study proved the hypothesis correctly. The results showed that vertebrate scavengers had a greater influence on the decomposition rate compared to invertebrate scavengers. The vertebrate scavengers that had a greater influence were probable Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), Eastern phoebe (cf. Sayornis phoebe), and coyotes (Canis latrans). The invertebrate scavengers that were collected at both sites include Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Curry College’s campus on average had more larvae present on the carrion (32,890) compared to the ORF (25,263). While the ORF had more adult flies present on the carrion (337) compared to Curry College’s campus (68). There is no significant difference in the number of larvae and adult flies from both sites (0.744).
Description
2026