Beetles of Forensic Beetles of Forensic Importance pt. 2Importance pt. 2

Beetles of Forensic Beetles of Forensic Importance pt. 2Importance pt. 2

March 11, March 11, 20092009

March 11, March 11, 20092009

scutellum

SilphidaeSilphidaeSilphidaeSilphidaeCarrion beetles or burying beetles

Large beetles

Some have distinct markings

Flattened body

Sharp margins on head

Club-shaped antennae

Abdominal segments protrude from elytra

six abdominal sternites

Carrion beetles or burying beetles

Large beetles

Some have distinct markings

Flattened body

Sharp margins on head

Club-shaped antennae

Abdominal segments protrude from elytra

six abdominal sternites

SilphidaeSilphidaeSilphidaeSilphidae

Found all over

Show up early in decomposition

Adults/larvae stay until dry stage

May feed on carrion

Most eat fly larvae

Found all over

Show up early in decomposition

Adults/larvae stay until dry stage

May feed on carrion

Most eat fly larvae

Silphidae LarvaeSilphidae LarvaeSilphidae LarvaeSilphidae Larvae2 Sub-families: Silphinae and Nicrophorinae

Silphinae--large carcasses

Cluster 6 ocelli on each side of head

Sporadically sclerotized

Nicrophorinae--small carcasses

Single ocellus on each side

Heavily sclerotized

2 Sub-families: Silphinae and Nicrophorinae

Silphinae--large carcasses

Cluster 6 ocelli on each side of head

Sporadically sclerotized

Nicrophorinae--small carcasses

Single ocellus on each side

Heavily sclerotized

Carolina Carrion BeetleNicrophorus carolinus

American Burying BeetleNicrophorus americanus

Nicrophorus

orbicollis

Sexton beetle Gold-necked Carrion BeetleNicrophorus tomentosus

American Carrion beetleNecrophila americana

Carrion BeetleOiceoptoma noveboracense

Carrion BeetleOiceoptoma rugulosum

Lapland Carrion Beetle

Thanatophilus lapponicus

DermestidaeDermestidaeDermestidaeDermestidae

Skin beetles, Leather beetles, Hide beetles, Carpet beetles, Larder beetles

World wide distribution--500 species

123 found in US

2-12 mm

Round-oval shaped

Covered in scales

Skin beetles, Leather beetles, Hide beetles, Carpet beetles, Larder beetles

World wide distribution--500 species

123 found in US

2-12 mm

Round-oval shaped

Covered in scales

Skin beetle or Hide beetle

Dermestes ater

Skin beetleDermestes maculatus

Varied Carpet beetleAnthrenus verbasci

Varied Carpet beetleAnthrenus verbasci

“wooly bear”

Skin beetle or Hide beetle

Dermestes aterSkin beetle

Dermestes maculatus

FRASS

HisteridaeHisteridaeHisteridaeHisteridae

Clown Beetles or Hister Beetles

3000 species, 500 found in US

Under 10 mm in length

Rounded, shiny black

Most species associated with decaying matter

Clown Beetles or Hister Beetles

3000 species, 500 found in US

Under 10 mm in length

Rounded, shiny black

Most species associated with decaying matter

HisteridaeHisteridaeHisteridaeHisteridae

Certain species on carrion and excrement

On carcasses, stay concealed

Adults and larvae predaceous

Isolated in collection

Certain species on carrion and excrement

On carcasses, stay concealed

Adults and larvae predaceous

Isolated in collection

Clown BeetleHister quadrinotatus

Clown BeetleHister sedakovi

Clown BeetleSaprinus pennsylvanicus

Bloat-dry fresh-late

NitidulidaeNitidulidaeNitidulidaeNitidulidaeSap beetles

2500 species world wide, 183 in US

Variable in appearance

Dark in color

4-12 mm, oval shaped

some look like staphylinidae, but have clubbed antennae

clubbed antennae

V

Sap beetles

2500 species world wide, 183 in US

Variable in appearance

Dark in color

4-12 mm, oval shaped

some look like staphylinidae, but have clubbed antennae

clubbed antennae

V

NitidulidaeNitidulidaeNitidulidaeNitidulidae

Few species attracted to carrion

More advanced stages of decay

Prefer moist environments

Little known about importance

Few species attracted to carrion

More advanced stages of decay

Prefer moist environments

Little known about importance

Omosita colon

Any questions?