Which of the following insects arrives LAST in the standard succession wave on a decomposing human body in a temperate environment?

• A Calliphora vicina (blow fly) — Diptera
• B Sarcophaga species (flesh fly) — Diptera
• C Dermestes maculatus (hide beetle) — Coleoptera ✓
• D Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) — Diptera

Explanation

Insect succession on a decomposing body follows a predictable sequence. Blow flies (Calliphora, Lucilia) and flesh flies (Sarcophaga) are among the earliest colonisers, arriving within minutes to hours of death. Dermestes (hide/carpet beetles, Coleoptera) are late-stage colonisers that feed on dry, desiccated remains including skin, hair, and dried ligaments, arriving weeks to months after death. Their presence indicates advanced decomposition with reduced moisture.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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