Dermestes frischii and D. undulatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) on a Human Corpse in Southern Italy: First Report*

Dermestidae and other necrophagous beetles may aid in the estimation of post-mortem interval, especially in situations where decompostionen is advanced and therefore, insect succession patterns are the best method available. We report, for the rst time, Dermestes frischii Kugelann, 1792 and D. undulatus larvae and adults from a human body discovered in Cassano, Cosenza province, southern Italy. e corpse was a 88 year old male. e cadaver was dry and in outdoor location. e other insect species associated with Dermestes spp were Necrobia ru collis (adults and larvae) and Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera, Calliphoridae) (empty puparium). e time of death was estimated to have been 25 days prior to the nding of the body, based on police investigations and statements of the caretaker. Beetles collected from corpses and crime scenes can be helpful to estimate the colonization interval in summer season and at dry environmental conditions that are to be expected to increase du to climate change.