Insect Activity and Its Relationship to Decay Rates of Human Cadavers in East Tennessee

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the specific insects which are found in association with decaying human cadavers. Four nude unembalmed human cadavers were each placed, at various times of the year, within a decay research facility located in an open wooded area. Data were collected daily throughout the entire decay cycle on the various insect populations which frequented each cadaver. Analysis of the data shows that there is a direct correlation between the rate of decay and the activity of carrion insect families found in association with a decaying cadaver. Application of this entomological and decompositional information can contribute to a more accurate estimation of "time since death" of an individual.