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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Carrion Beetle (Nicrophorus carolinensis)

Carrion Beetles feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead animals. They have the unique ability to help solve crimes...


from Wikipedia: They are a very important tool in determining a post mortem interval by collecting carrion beetle progeny from a body, and determining the developmental rate. Based on the number of instars present and what stage of development they are in, a time of death can be estimated. This is very useful in medicocriminal entomology, the emphasis on utilizing arthropods as evidence to aid in solving crimes.


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Carrion Beetle (Nicrophorus carolinensis) in flight

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Portland, Oregon, United States
Husband, Father, Student Of Natural History, Photographer