Comparative study of dipteran diversity and their succession in rabbit carrion at two different coastal areas in Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

A comparison study of dipteran diversity and succession was conducted at Pantai Tok Jembal, Kuala Terengganu, east coastal and Pantai Port Dickson, west coastal area using rabbit carrions as representatives. This study aimed to determine dipteran diversity and succession over decomposition period. The entomofauna in the corpse were compared and the dipteran species and diversity at both coastal areas were determined. A total of 16 species belonging to 12 families and three orders (Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera) were identified in present study with 13 species occurred in Pantai Tok Jembal and 14 species in Port Dickson. 11 species were general species occurring in both coastal areas. They facilitated decomposition and formed distinct fauna! succession; Diptera were the pioneer colonizes followed by Coleoptera whereas Hymenoptera were present in almost all the stages. Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies, Musca domestica and Sarcophaga sp. were the dominant species identified.