Decomposition and insect succession on hanging carcasses in Western Australia

This study aimed to provide reference data on decomposition and insect succession for hanging carcasses in Perth, Western Australia. Decomposition processes and insect colonisation of hanging pig carcasses were compared with carcasses on the soil surface. Seasonal conditions particularly temperature, are known to influence both decomposition and insect succession. This work considered the effect of temperature and season by conducting trials over three different times of the year. Decomposition of carcasses while hanging was markedly different to decomposition of carcasses lying on the soil surface and notably affected insect succession patterns both across trials, to a lesser extent, within trials.