Forensic Insect Succession and Carrion Decomposition in Indoor and Outdoor Habitats:Implications for Post-mortem Interval Estimation in Dhamar, Yemen
Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that utilizes insects to assist in criminal investigations. Building on the foundational principles of forensic entomology, this study investigates of entomofauna’s role in decomposing rabbit carcasses ( Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), across varied environments. Using a consistent collection and analysis protocol, we monitored the decomposition process and insect activity in three different environments in Dhamar City, Yemen. Two carcasses were outdoors: one in a botanical garden and another in an open agricultural area. The third was indoors in a laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture at Thamar University. The research was conducted over two periods: September and November 2023, as well as October 2024. Urban environments, including both botanical gardens and controlled indoor settings, typically exhibit higher temperatures and lower humidity, which accelerates decomposition more than in agricultural sites. The dry stage was reached by day 30 in urban environments, whereas in agricultural areas, it took approximately 52 days. A total of 1270 adult insect specimens were collected, with outdoor habitats exhibiting the highest abundance. Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae) was the dominant species at all sites in the early phases of decomposition, confirming its forensic usefulness in determining postmortem intervals (PMIs). This study describes insect succession resulting from carrion decomposition in both indoor and outdoor habitats in Dhamar City, Yemen. It establishes baseline data essential for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) in the locality.
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