The first case of forensic entomology applied to a roadkill dog carcass in the Colombian Andes

Abstract

An uncommon case of forensic entomology applied to a roadkill animal is detailed; the minimum period of insect activity (PIAmin: 72 h) and the postmortem interval (PMI: ≤48 h) were calculated. Inferences and possible events pre- and postmortem are related and proposed, including the possible explanation of the occurrence of colonizer carrion flies on dry remains. The accelerating effect of vertebrate scavengers on the decomposition stages of the carcass was measured (7.4 time faster). This study is the first forensic entomology case applied to a roadkill animal in the neotropics.

Keywords

• Cochliomyia macellaria
• Dry remains
• Period of insect activity
• Postmortem interval
• Secondary screwworm