Effect of seasonal and altitudinal variation on insect succession and rabbit carcass decomposition in West Himalayan region of India

Forensic entomology has proven its importance in estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) of a carcass in criminal investigations. The PMI estimation is based on life cycle and succession pattern of insects, which is influenced by the environmental conditions and access to the carcass. The present study has been carried out in the West Himalayan region of India, to study the effect of season (Summer, Monsoon, winter) and altitude (ranging from 440 m to 2140 m), and to form a database of insect faunal succession on decaying rabbit carcasses. The insect fauna attracted to the carcasses comprised a total of 12 species belonging to two orders. Out of which only four species i.e. L. cuprina, S. haemorrhoidalis, C. vicina and C. vomitoria were found to be of forensic importance in estimating PMI, as they oviposit and subsequently completed their life cycles on the carcass. It has also been observed that altitude and seasonal variation affects the arrival time, oviposition, life cycles of insects and consequently alters the estimation of PMI significantly