Comparative study of dipteran diversity and heir succession on rabbit carrion in Bukit Bucu, Terengganu and Penang Hill, Penang

Abstract

Successional patterns of dipteran fauna on rabbit carrions were studied in two hilly areas of Bukit Bucu, Terengganu and Penang Hill, Penang to determine the dipteran sequence and postmortem interval over 14 days. During this period, a total of 327 individuals of adult dipteran flies were identified belonging to the following families: Calliphoridae, Drosophilidae, Muscidae, Phiophilidae, Phoridae, Sarcophagidae, Sepsidae, Sphaeroceridae, Tipulidae. Five decomposition stages were observed (fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay and skeletal). During the fresh and bloated stages, Calliphoridae dominated the carrion in both study sites. Lucilia cuprina and Chrysomya rufifacies were the initial colonizers of the carrion in Bukit Bucu and Penang Hill, respectively.