Comparative Analysis of the Insect Succession Pattern and Stages of Decomposition of Rabbit Carcasses Surrounding Palm and Olive Trees

Forensic entomology utilizes insects encountered on deceased bodies to aid in criminal investigations, particularly in
estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). This study was designed to identify the forensic insects in Aljouf region, and to
study the insect succession pattern associated with rabbit carcasses under different conditions in Al-jouf, Saudi Arabia.
To achieve our goals, twenty rabbits were subjected to decomposition under two types of death (natural and induced),
and two tree placements (shady and exposed). Results determined five distinct decomposition stages of the rabbit
carcasses (fresh, bloating, active decay, advanced decay, and dry stages). Each decomposition stage attracted varying
insect colonizers and each stage lasted to varied durations. Herein we identified 13 insect species (seven dipterans, five
coleopterans, and one hymenopteran), using both morphological and molecular identification methodologies. The
variation in decomposition stage duration, and the insect colonizer species was affected by the closer plant trees, and/ or
correlated to the difference in climatic conditions, especially, the temperature. Our results suggested that some
colonizers are of special importance in PMI determination. Sarcophaga dux is the most significant colonizer in earlier
decomposition stages and Dermestes laniarius is the most significant colonized in later decomposition stages.