SUCCESSION PATTERN OF INSECT OF FORENSIC IMPORTANCE ON RABBIT CARRION AT THREE LOCATIONS IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

The objective of this study was to identify insects species visiting decomposing rabbit carrion and to establish the relationship between insects and decomposing carrion which may be of forensic importance in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria. Six rabbit weighing between 2.3kg and 2.7kg were killed by a sharp blow with a blunt metal object on the heads. Two each of the six rabbit were exposed to the sun, under shade and near river. The carcasses were allowed to decompose and insect were collected twice a day for the first one week and thereafter once a day up to the end of the 15 weeks. Four decomposition stages recorded were fresh, bloating, decay and post decay stages. A total of 16 insect species from 7 families and 3 orders were observed. Three Diptera families (Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae) were identified from carcasses in all the locations and they were the first to be observed. Species collected included Lucilia Cuprina, Chrymosya albiceps, Chrymosya megacephala, Phormiaregina, Musca domestica and Hydrotaea sp. Three Coleopteran families (Cleridae, Silphidae and Dermestidae) were identified from all the carcasses and the observed species were Necrobia rufipes, Necrophile rufithorax and Dermestes muculatus. Hymenoptera (Formicidae) was also present throughout the period. The study shows that insects from the order Diptera (Calliphoridae and Muscidae) indicate the fresh and bloat stage, while the order Coleopteran (Dermestidae) indicate the decay and post decay stage during period of decomposition of the carcasses and could be of importance for further forensic studies since they were collected from the carcasses