Which of the following correctly describes the succession of insect fauna in human decomposition and the corresponding stage of decomposition at which Dermestes beetles (hide beetles) appear?

• A Fresh stage; first colonizers are Dermestes spp.
• B Bloat stage; flies of family Sarcophagidae dominate
• C Active decay stage; Dermestes arrive concurrently with first-instar blowfly larvae
• D Dry/skeletonization stage; Dermestes maculatus colonizes remaining hide and dried tissue ✓

Explanation

Insect succession follows predictable ecological patterns. Blowflies (Calliphora, Lucilia, Chrysomya) are primary colonizers arriving within minutes to hours at the fresh stage. During active decay and post-decay, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and later beetles such as Silphidae arrive. Dermestes (hide beetles) are late-stage colonizers, characteristically appearing during the dry/skeletonization stage when dried skin, cartilage, and hair remain — the substrate they preferentially utilize. Their presence therefore indicates prolonged postmortem interval with advanced decomposition.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.