ISSN: 2692-5389 DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.

000513

Global Journal of
Forensic Science & Medicine

Research Article Copyright © All rights are reserved by Paola A Magni

The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on Insect

Colonization: A Pilot Study in Western Australia
Paola A Magni*, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy and Ian R Dadour
Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia

Received Date: March 11, 2019

*Corresponding author: Paola A Magni, Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences,
Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia. Published Date: April 09, 2019

Abstract
Decomposition is a complex and continuous process that involves the breakdown of soft tissues following a death event. This
is often mediated by the action of micro- and macro-fauna, especially necrophagous insects belonging to the Orders Diptera and
Coleoptera. Access to the cadaver is a major prerequisite for decomposition to proceed. However, a cadaver maybe concealed to
avoid an easy discovery by the authorities. The present field study investigated the decomposition process of a carcass placed in
a suitcase in Western Australia. A total of six pig carcasses (Sus scrofa L.) were used as a substitute for human cadavers. Five pigs
were singularly placed in identical zip suitcases made of fabric and a sixth pig being fully exposed (control pig). As expected, the
study showed that the rate of decomposition differed between the control pig and concealed pigs. The rate of decomposition of
the control pig followed the typical pattern, in terms of stages of decomposition, and revealed the insect species involved in the
process. Pigs inside the suitcases exhibited the characteristics of wet decomposition. This occurred despite no significant differences
between the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the suitcases. However, the relative humidity inside of the suitcases
was found to be statistically different and the pattern of insect succession varied between the concealed carcasses and the control
pig. Carcass attendance by blow flies at the control occurred within minutes of positioning, and oviposition occurred within the first
day. In contrast, blow flies were not observed visiting the suitcases until the next day, with oviposition on the external part of the
suitcases not recorded until day 9 and inside the suitcases after day 14. The insect species also varied between those found inside
the suitcases and on the control, with families Phoridae (scuttle flies) and Fanniidae (lesser house flies) being the most prevalent
species inside the suitcases. This pilot study represents the first attempt in Australia to research decomposition of remains inside
a suitcase.

Keywords: suitcase concealment; decomposition; Forensic entomology; Insect succession; Min PMI

Introduction
localities and used this information to estimate the minPMI in
Forensic entomology is the study of insects and other arthropods
cases where the time of death is unknown [2,7]. When estimating
that are part of a criminal case [1]. Knowledge of the insects found at
the minPMI, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors – factors related to
a crime scene has assisted in many types of forensic investigations
the dead body and factors related to the environment where the
by providing information under certain conditions on where, when,
body lays – may affect the rates and patterns of insect utilization
and how a person died [1-3]. Since blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
of the remains [7]. Factors such as temperature, humidity and
are usually the first necrophagous fauna to find a cadaver, they
rainfall, as well as whether the cadaver is exposed or concealed
are the most important insect evidence collected at crime scenes.
may influence the rate of insect invasion [2,7]. In order to
Different temperature and environmental conditions influence
determine the decomposition process mediated by insect fauna,
different species of blowflies and their arrival time on the cadaver
access to the carcass is a prerequisite. However, the cadaver may
[4]. The decomposition and the associated developmental stages of
be concealed, on numerous occasions to avoid an easy discovery
insect larvae located on remains are used by forensic entomologists
by the authorities. Examples include in vehicles [8,9], in houses
to estimate the minimum time since death (minimum Post-Mortem
[10,11], underwater [12] and if a cadaver is buried or wrapped [13-
Interval, minPMI) [5,6]. Forensic researchers have documented the
15]. While there have been a number of studies on concealment,
known pattern of arthropod succession on cadavers in numerous

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. Page 1 of 9
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

the factors affecting blowfly accessibility to remains in suitcases This pig was placed in a caged structure located at the site to protect
have received little attention. A single study performed in the UK it from scavenging. The fencing mesh was large enough for insect
indicated that there was a delay of 1-3 days before oviposition was access, but excluded mammalian, avian and reptilian predators and
observed. This study was performed using two different types of scavengers. Photographs and notes were taken every day of the
suitcase placed outside at two different times, one month apart decomposing carcass until it reached advanced decay stage (first
from each other and baited with a pig’s head. Furthermore, this three weeks). Entomological changes to the Control pig were also
study did not consider how the remains decomposed inside the documented at each sampling period via the use of photographs,
suitcases but focused on how larvae accessed the remains through notes, and sampling of the insect material present. Fly eggs, larvae
the zipper. As well, no information was recorded on the type of zip and pupae as well as beetles were sampled daily for the first 19
used to seal either suitcase [16]. The remainder of information days, then from day 21 to the end of the study, the sampling was
pertaining to remains in suitcases are all forensic cases, e.g in conducted every 2-3 days (on day 23,25,28,30,33,36,38,42) in order
Brisbane (QLD, Australia) in 2000 a man was caught by the police to match the sampling of the Control pig with the opening of the
carrying a suitcase with the torso, the arms and the leg of a man suitcases. Insect samples were collected randomly, both in/on the
he murdered [17]; in 2015 a corpse was found in suitcase after carcass and the surrounding area (below the carcass and around
being left for one month in a busy Tokyo train station [18]; and the the carcass). All the samples were placed in ventilated screw cap
remains of a child were found in a suitcase left alongside a South containers, labeled with day of sampling and location of sampling
Australian highway [19]; and in March 2019, a woman was found and they were placed in a refrigerated container until processed in
inside a suitcase in a parked car Sydney (NSW, Australia) [20]. To the laboratory. In the laboratory, three subsamples were made from
date, no research regarding concealment of cadavers in suitcases each container. Insects of the first subsample were the beetles and
has been conducted in Australia. However, during July 2016 there any other arthropod excluding Diptera. These samples were placed
was a case in Perth, Western Australia, that was the impetus for in a killing jar and sacrificed using ethyl acetate and identified [24].
this study, in which a dead female was hidden in a suitcase and A second subsample was composed of half of the immature fly
later dumped in a river [21]. In order to address this dearth of specimens collected and represented an array of different instars
information concerning decomposition in a suitcase, this study is including eggs and larvae. These samples were morphologically
the first attempt to compare the decomposition process, and the identified following a hot water kill and then preserved in 70%
entomological data between an exposed pig and those concealed in ethanol [25]. The third subsample was composed of the other half
a suitcase for a period of 42 days during the Austral autumn. of the immature fly specimens collected, but in this case the eggs
and larvae were reared to the adult stage and identified [2]. Fly eggs
Materials and Methods
and larvae were reared on a small tray of minced beef which was
The experiment was conducted at the Murdoch University placed on sand in containers covered with mesh. The food source
Veterinary Farm, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia (S was removed when all the larvae were post-feeding. Fly pupae
32°4’17’’ E 115°50’0.60’’). It was documented over a period of six were then placed on sand in a ventilated screw cap container. After
weeks between April and May 2017, Austral autumn. The field site eclosion, the adult flies were sacrificed using ethyl acetate and
was eucalypt woodland on a sandy soil, with the most frequent morphologically identified [24,26-28].
surrounding vegetation being grass trees (Xanthorrhoea preissii
Endl.) and zamia palms (Macrozamia riedlei (Dell & Bennett)). For Experimental pigs (Suitcases pigs)
this study, a total of 6 pig carcasses weighting 8.8 ± 1.2 kg were used The 5 pigs designated for decomposition in a concealed
as a substitute for human cadavers. Pig carcasses were chosen as environment were each placed inside identical commercial
they are considered to best mimic of human decomposition [22,23]. suitcases (commonly described as ‘travelling suitcases’). The
The pigs were euthanized in accordance with animal ethics. The suitcases were soft cases 72cm (H) x 47cm (W) x 24cm (D), made
carcasses were received fresh and after being weighed, they were from black polyester fabric, with coil zipper measuring 10 mm
transported to the site. One pig carcass was used as a control across the closed teeth and 41mm across the tape. Suitcase 1 was
and exposed for the whole duration of the experiment, while the opened after 14 days (pig S1-14), suitcase 2 after 21 days (pig S2-
remaining 5 pigs were placed into separate suitcases. Each pig was 21), suitcase 3 after 28 days (pig S3-28), suitcase 4 after 36 days (pig
labeled with a unique number, referring to the suitcase number S4-36) and suitcase 5 after 42 days (pig S5-42). On each sampling
and the specific opening day (see details in section 2.2), while the day, prior to the opening of a suitcase, an external examination of
control pig was simply referred as “Control” pig. The positioning of all suitcases was completed to check for any changes to the outside
each pig was carefully designed so that they were all placed in the of each suitcase. Records were made of the adult flies visiting,
shade and apart from each other between a minimum of 25 m to a presence of egg clusters on the external part of the suitcases or zip,
maximum of 28 m. larvae and/or other insect activity, and/or any leaking fluids. On
each specific day, when a suitcase was opened, photographs were
Control pig (Exposed)
taken and any insect material was collected. If there was significant
The Control pig was placed on the surface of the ground and left insect colonization, a similar subsampling procedure as described
outside in the open air to decompose and attract insects naturally. for the Control pig was conducted. Observations and sampling of

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 2 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

the external part of the suitcases were made each day following as well as the ambient temperature and humidity of the study site.
the setup of the experiment for the Control pig, while the insect All data loggers were programmed to record temperature and
collection inside of the suitcases was conducted only on the days humidity every 30 minutes throughout the study period. Rainfall
designated for the suitcase opening (day 14, 21, 28, 36, 42). data was obtained from the Murdoch University Weather Station.
Temperature data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Paired
Environmental data
sample t-tests, with level of significance set at P<0.05. Calculations
Temperature data loggers (Easy Log®) were used to record the were performed using StatPlus:mac LE software package 2018.
temperature (°C) and relative humidity (RH) within the suitcases,

Results
Temperature, RH and rainfall

Figure 1: Plot of the rainfall occurring at the study site and daily mean temperatures registered at the study site and inside each of the 5
experimental suitcases.

The plot of daily mean temperatures including the ambient °C (day 19) and 21.60 °C (day 13); inside suitcase 3, over 28 days
temperature of study site and the inside of each suitcase over the until opened, between 16.70 °C (day 19) and 21.75 °C (day 13);
42-day period of the study is illustrated in (Figure1). The mean inside suitcase 4, over 36 days until opened, between 15.00 °C (day
ambient temperature ranged from a minimum of 13.89 °C (day 33) and 21.10 °C (day 13); and inside suitcase 5, over 42 days until
41 of the experiment) to a maximum of 21.22 °C (day 13). Inside opened, between 15.20 °C (day 33) and 21.59 °C (day 13).
suitcase 1, over 14 days until opened, the mean temperature ranged
Paired sample t-tests determined that there were no significant
from a minimum of 17.88 °C (day 2) to a maximum of 21.90 °C (day
differences between the temperatures inside the suitcases and the
13); inside suitcase 2, over 21 days until opened, between 16.70
ambient temperature (Table 1).
Table 1: Average temperatures (°C± S.D.) registered at the study site and inside each of the 5 experimental suitcases analysed via paired sample
t-test.

Opening of
Average Suitcase 1 (14 days) Suitcase 2 (21 days) Suitcase 3 (28 days) Suitcase 4 (36 days) Suitcase 5 (42 days)
temperature
°C±S.D. Ambient 19.16±1.30 18.46±1.47 18.43±1.38 17.90±1.74 17.53±1.90
Suitcase 19.42±1.30 18.45±1.70 18.49±1.39 17.80±1.42 17.63±1.73
p-value 0.60 0.99 0.88 0.78 0.79
Paired sample t-test Critical
2.06 2.02 2.00 1.99 1.99
Value (5%)

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 3 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

One-way analyses of variance performed on the temperatures until opened, the mean RH ranged from a minimum of 70.60%
recorded inside each of the suitcases during the period also (day 1) to a maximum of 86.20% (day 15); inside suitcase 2, over
determined that there were no significant differences. As one 21 days until opened, between 71.00% (day 1) and 87.00% (day
suitcase was removed from the experiment every 7 days the 7,8); inside suitcase 3, over 28 days until opened, between 70.80%
comparisons were determined based on the overlapping periods, all (day 1) and 98.00% (day 28); inside suitcase 4, over 36 days until
suitcases 1,2,3,4,5 F4,65=0.46, p=0.77; for suitcases 2,3,4,5 F3,80=0.37, opened, ranged between 71.20% (day 1) and 99.30% (day 36); and
p=0.77; for suitcases 3,4,5 F2,81=0.36, p=0.70; for suitcases 4,5 inside suitcase 5, over 42 days until opened, between 71.60% (day
F1,70=0.39, p=0.54. The plot of daily mean relative humidity (RH) of 1) and 100% (day 38-42). Paired sample t-tests determined that
both the study site and the inside of each suitcase over the 42-day the average RH registered in the study site and inside of each of the
period of the study is illustrated in (Figure 2). The mean ambient suitcases was significantly different for the whole duration of the
RH ranged from a minimum of 49.93% (day 1 of the experiment) study (Table 2).
to a maximum of 92.59% (day 42). Inside suitcase 1, over 14 days

Figure 2: Plot of the rainfall and daily mean relative humidity occurring at the study site and inside each of the 5 experimental suitcases.

Table 2: Average relative humidity (RH% ± S.D.) registered at the study site and inside each of the 5 experimental suitcases analysed via paired
sample t-test.

Opening of
Suitcase 1 (14 Suitcase 2 (21 Suitcase 3 (28 Suitcase 4 (36 Suitcase 5 (42
Average relative days) days) days) days) days)
humidity RH% ± S.D.
Ambient 68.06±5.97 67.22±5.63 68.42±7.97 69.90±7.69 71.92±9.13

Suitcase 81.89±3.90 83.84±3.74 85.42±5.49 88.38±6.67 90.43±7.27

p-value 0 0 0 0 0
Paired sample t-test
Critical Value (5%) 1.70 1.68 1.67 1.67 1.66

One-way analyses of variance performed on the RH recorded F4,70=0.60, p=0.66; suitcases 2,3,4,5 F3,80=0.33, p=0.80; suitcases
inside each of the suitcases during the period of overlap determined 3,4,5 F2,81=0.26, p=0.77; suitcases 4,5 F1,70=0.09, p=0.77).
that there were no significant differences (suitcases 1,2,3,4,5

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 4 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

Rainfall is also illustrated in both Fig. 1 and 2. Rain occurred even if they appear wet to touch, which was a consequence of the
mainly towards the end of the study, including days 13 (1mm), 25 large amount of rain received towards the end of the study. At 36
(10mm), 28 (0.5mm), 34 (3.2mm), 35 (2.8mm), 38 (10.5mm), 39 days, the S4-36 pig had developed a toughened outer layer of soft
(4mm), 40 (12.5mm), 41 (6.7mm) and 42 (4.5mm). tissue that had a brownish coloration, with the underlying tissue
pink in color (Figure 3, I). At day 42, adipocere was evident under
Decomposition
the toughened outer layer of brownish skin of the S5-42 pig (Figure
Stages of decomposition were determined using those 3, L).
described by Payne [29]. Four observable stages were recognised
for the Control pig: fresh, bloat, active decay and advanced decay
(Figure 3, A-E). The fresh stage lasted approximately 2 days,
followed by the bloat stage which lasted 9 days. The subsequent
active decay stage continued for a further 10 days. The beginning
and end points of the decomposition stages are mostly subjective
and typically overlap, therefore it was proposed that the end of the
bloat stage was delineated by the breaking of the skin and release
of abdomen gases [29]. The body deflates at this point, resulting in
the beginning of the decay stage. Advanced decay persisted from
day 21 to day 42, when the carcass was completely skeletonized.
As expected, the Control pig followed the typical pattern of
decomposition [29], whereas the decomposition of the pigs in the
suitcases did not follow any particular pattern previously described
in the literature (Figure 3, F-L). Overall, the decomposition pattern
of the pigs in the suitcases may be described as “wet decomposition”.
At the opening of the first suitcase, 14 days after the beginning of
the experiment, common signs of decay typical of the fresh and
the bloated stages (e.g. marbled appearance of the skin) were
missing (Figure 3, F). The carcass appeared wet and strong odours
were very noticeable. The fabric of the suitcases did not allow the
fluids from the decomposing pig to drain and therefore the overall
appearance of the carcass was “wet”. During the first 14 days of the
experiment only one short episode of rainfall was recorded (day
13, 1 mm). Overall, the stage of decomposition of the S1-14 pig was
similar to the Control pig (Figure 3, A,F), with the only difference
being the Control pig skin already broken, indicating the beginning
of the active decay stage of decomposition, while the S1-14 pig skin
was not broken yet, indicating that the carcass was still in bloat
stage of decomposition. On day 21, both the Control pig and the S2-
21 pig were in active decay (Figure 3, B, G). The major difference
Figure 3: Comparison between the decomposition process
between the two carcasses was the presence of moisture associated
of the control pig placed in the study site (A,B,C,D,E) and the
with the pig in the suitcase compared to the Control pig. A small appearance of the pigs placed in the suitcases (F,G,H,I, L) on the
puddle was present at the base of the suitcase where the pig was day of the suitcase opening: day 14 (A,F), day 21 (B,G), day 28
(C,H), day 36 (D,I) and day 42 (E,L).
located, which was not due to rainfall but the body fluids of the pig
in the case of the Control pig, the body fluids were able to drain from
the body and seep into the surrounding soil, avoiding the formation Entomology
of the puddle. On day 28, the stages of decomposition of S3-28 pig Throughout the duration of the study, a total of nine insect taxa
versus the Control pig appeared very different (Figure 3, C, H). The were identified to either genus or species during the decomposition
Control pig was very dry with little soft tissue remaining indicating of the Control pig (Table 3), representing three orders and six
advanced decay, whereas the S3-28 pig was covered by fly larvae families. The same 9 insect taxa were also identified on the pigs
and it was laying in 10 mm of liquid, mostly due the retention of in the suitcases (Table 4), however, none of the five suitcases
body fluids and the heavily rain recorded on day 25 of the study. contained all nine taxa. Suitcase 1 contained six species, suitcase
There was not much change of the Control pig from day 36 right 2 three species, suitcase 3 five species, suitcase 4 six species and
through today 42, with the carcass in advanced decay/skeletonized suitcase 5 five species. As expected, representatives of the order
(Figure 3, D, E). The remains of the Control pig on day 42 were only Diptera were the first colonizers of the Control pig (from day 1),
skin, hair and bones. Such remains are considered as “dry remains”,

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 5 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

closely followed by representatives of the order Coleoptera as Control pig during the duration of the experiment, the rove beetle
decomposition progressed (from day 9). In comparison, both Creophilus erythrocephalus Fabricius (family Staphylinidae) and
Diptera and Coleoptera were present together on the external clown beetles Carcinops pumilio (Erichson) (family Histeridae).
part of the suitcases since day 9 of the experiment (Table 5). With In the suitcases, carrion beetles were only found in suitcase 4
regards to Diptera, a total of 6 species were collected on the Control and they were C. pumilio and Diamesus ss.pp. (family Silphidae)
pig, 4 blowflies belonging to the family Calliphoridae (Chrysomya and. Adventive insects included ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae),
rufifacies (Macquart), Calliphora dubia (Macquart), C. albifrontalis which were observed removing eggs from the Control pig and
Malloch and Lucilia sericata (Meigen)), one belonging to the family from the external parts of the suitcases in the first two weeks of
Muscidae, the greater housefly Muscina stabulans (Fallén) and the experiment, ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), found on
one belonging to the family Fanniidae, the lesser housefly Fannia the Control pig between day 9 and 13, and earwigs (Dermaptera:
canicularis (L.). At the opening of the suitcases, only 2 calliphorids Forficulidae), observed only outside S2 between day 9 and 15.
were identified (Ch. rufifacies and C. albifrontalis) beside M. White garden snails (Theba pisana (Müller), Gastropoda: Helicidae)
stabulans and a representative of the family Phoridae, the scuttle were found infesting only the external part of S4 between day 12
fly Megaselia scalaris (Leow). With regards to carrion beetles and 17.
(Coleoptera), representatives of two families were collected on the

Table 3: Colonization on the Control pig during the period of the experiment.

Ge- Colonization on the Control pig

Or- nus-
Family Days of Collection
der Spe-
cies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 25 28 30 33 36 38 42
Chry-
L,
somya P, P, P, P,
L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L P,
rufifa- P* P* P* P*
P*
cies
Cal-
liph-
L L L L L
ora
Cal- dubia
lipho- Cal-
ridae liph-
ora E,
E E E E L L L L L L L L L
albi- L
Dip- fron-
tera talis
Lucilia
E,
serica- E E E E L L L L
L
ta
Fan-
Fannii- nia ca-
L
dae nicu-
laris
Mus-
Musci- cina
L L L L L L L L L L L L
dae stabu-
lans

Hy- Vespi-
ss.pp. A A A A A A A A A A A A L L
men dae
op- Formi-
tera ss.pp. A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
cidae
Creo-
philus
Stap
eryth-
hylini- A A A A A A A A A
ro-
dae
cepha-
Co-
lus
le-
op- Carci-
tera Histe- nops
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
ridae pum-
ilio
Carabi-
ss.pp. A A A A A
dae
E=Eggs; L= larva; P= Pupa; P*= Parasited pupa; A= Adult

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 6 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

Table 4: Colonization by insects inside each of the suitcases on their respective opening day.

Insect Colonization inside each of the suitcase

Order Family Genus-Species S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
day 14 day 21 day 28 day 36 day 42
Chrysomya rufifacies L, P L, P* L, P L, P
Calliphoridae
Calliphora albifrontalis L
Diptera Fanniidae Fannia canicularis L, P P P P P
Muscidae Muscina stabulans E, L L L E, L L
Phoridae Megaselia scalaris L, P L, P P P, Pu P, Pu
Hymenoptera Vespidae ss.pp. A A
Histeridae Carcinops pumilio A
Coleoptera
Silphidae Diamesus ss.pp. A
E= Eggs; L= Larva; P= Pupa; P*= Parasited pupa;
Pu= puparium; A= Adult

Table 5: Colonization on the Control pig and on the external part of the The insects attracted by the Control pig and by the suitcases were
suitcases N.A.= not applicable as the suitcase was removed after the
similar. However, differences in the timing of insect colonisation
opening.
between the Control pig and pigs in the suitcases were clearly evi-
dent (Table 3,4,5). Adult blowflies were attracted to the Control pig
within minutes of positioning (day 0 of the experiment), while fly
activity was observed around the suitcases only on day 1. Eggs of
the blowfly C. albifrontalis and L. sericata (Meigen), were observed
inside the mouth and behind the left ear of the Control pig on day
1, whereas fly eggs were not observed outside any of the suitcases
until day 9 (Figure 4). Fly larvae were first recorded on the Control
pig on day 5, however, larvae were not present outside the suitcases
until day 9. The major difference in insect colonization between the
Control pig and the pigs inside the suitcases was the presence of
scuttle flies inside all of the suitcases but were absent on the Con-
trol pig. Lesser houseflies were present inside all suitcases but were
only observed on the Control pig on day 17. Scuttle flies and lesser
houseflies were the first colonizers inside the suitcases as both lar-
vae and pupae were observed and collected inside the first suitcase
opened on day 14.

Figure 4: Oviposition on the suitcase zipper on day 9.

Discussion
The Control pig was skeletal in 42 days; however, the study was
not long enough for the pigs in the suitcases to fully decompose.
When considering an exposed pig, changes in climatic factors such

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 7 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity affect the rate of in suitcases [17-21], the only research to date on this matter has
carrion decomposition which in turn varies the number of days to been performed in the UK [16], while in Australia the only research
complete decomposition [30]. This study was performed over the regarding restricted access environments has been conducted on
Austral autumn season (April-May) in Perth, Western Australia. bodies in vehicles [9]. However, to make comparisons between
When comparing the rate of decomposition of exposed pigs in these vastly different restricted access environments are trite as
Western Australia with other regions of the world that sit below the they are very different environments, and with no control of any
equator, the number of days needed for a pig to fully decompose are variables between each experimental design little can be concluded
40 days in Western Australia [31], 14 days in Malaysia [32], 25 days [9,10,15]. A body concealed in a suitcase has fewer egg deposition
in Hawaii [33], 40 days in Brazil [30], and 83 days in Columbia [32]. sites for the female flies except on the suitcase. In this study all the
The above differences are a consequence of the climatic conditions suitcases had eggs deposited around the lining of the zippers and
in each of these unique geographic regions [33]. Previous research underneath the suitcases by day 9 (Figure 4). Ants were observed
has identified differences in insect succession patterns between removing eggs from the external part of the suitcases and parasitic
different seasons and geographic regions in Western Australia for wasps were observed in fly pupae from the Control pig and the
carcasses placed on the surface [34]. The effect of temperature on pigs inside of the suitcases [41,42]. Neither of these species were
the developmental rate of insects is widely known [6,35]. Insect identified. Parasitoid wasps sting and lay their eggs in the bodies
activity and larval development rate will increase as temperature of other arthropods, sooner or later causing the death of their host.
increases, and this ultimately increases the rate of decomposition [41, 42]. These parasitic wasps were observed on most days in Ch.
[36]. However, in this study, the results in (Figure 1) did not show a rufifacies pupae sampled from the Control pig and in S5.
significant difference between the temperatures of the Control pig
Scuttle flies are an important species in relation to concealed
and the pigs in the suitcases. This could be due to the fact that this
bodies and are known to burrow down in soil to reach buried bodies
study was designed with all the pigs in suitcases placed in shaded
[43]. These species are small enough to get inside a concealed
areas. The relative humidity registered outside the Control pig and
suitcase through the zippers and the gaps between the attached
inside the suitcases was significantly different (Figure 2). This was
wheels on the bottom of the suitcase. Larvae and pupae were found
a natural consequence of the body fluids and the rain trapped in the
outside the suitcase, particularly underneath where the suitcase lay
suitcases, compared with the Control pig where these fluids drained
on the ground. The UK study realized that entry into the suitcases
from the body and seeped into the surrounding soil. As rainfall was
was through the zippers with oviposition occurring within 48
registered only from day 13, this environmental factor did not affect
hours, whereas this study determined that there was a delay of 9
the establishment of colonization or the decomposition process on
days before oviposition and up to 14 days before colonization was
both the Control pig and inside/outside the suitcases. The presence
detected on and in the suitcases.
of rainfall combined with body fluids did influence the production
of adipocere in the S5-42 [37]. Conclusion
The second most important variable affecting the decomposition It is necessary to understand the unique taphonomy processes
rate of a cadaver, after temperature, is the access of insects to the that occur when a body is concealed. Although numerous efforts
carrion [38]. In this study only the Control pig was exposed and the have been made to understand these processes, minimal research
other five were pigs concealed in suitcases which restricted insect has been specifically related to concealment within a suitcase
access. Within the first few hours following exposure flies will visit [16]. This study and the UK research have focused on zip-sealed
and oviposit on the carcass. Odors produced by the Control pig were travelling suitcase and the effect it has on insect succession. The UK
the most likely reason why adult blowflies were attracted to the study concluded that the design of the zip teeth is just one of many
carcass, leading to oviposition in most of the natural orifices such factors that affect the ability of insect colonization on the enclosed
as ears, eyes, mouth, nose and genital regions [2]. On day 1 of this remains. The current study, although preliminary, has attempted to
experiment, fly eggs (C. albifrontalis and L. sericata) were observed build on the UK study and gain some insight into how long it takes
in the mouth of the Control pig, however, no eggs were found on for flies to colonize remains inside a suitcase albeit in Australia.
any of the suitcases. At the end of the first week there were larvae Although this research is limited in its scope, it will certainly focus
present on the control pig. Goff compared studies of carrion placed any future forensic investigations when remains are located in a
outdoors and indoors and demonstrated that there were significant concealed environment.
differences in insect colonization [39]. Also, in the case of this Acknowledgement
experiment, while C. albifrontalis, Ch. rufifacies, F. canicularis and
The Authors would like to thank Murdoch University for the use
M. stabulans were present on both the Control pig and inside some
of the study site and for providing the costs associated with the set
of the suitcases, C. dubia and L. sericata were only present on the
up of the experiment. In particular, the Authors would like to thank
Control pig and M. scalaris only in some of the suitcases (Tables 3,
Kim Thomas for granting the access to the study site.
4). These insect patterns recorded on the Control pig represent the
typical pattern of decomposition in Western Australia during the Conflict of Interest
Austral autumn [40]. Despite several bodies being found concealed No conflict of interest.

Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 8 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.
 Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine Volume 1-Issue 3

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Citation: Paola A Magni, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Georgy , Ian R Dadour. The Effect of Suitcase Concealment on the Insect Colonization: Page 9 of 9
A Pilot Study in Western Australia. Glob J of Forensic Sci & Med 1(3): 2019. GJFSM.MS.ID.000513. DOI: 10.33552/GJFSM.2019.01.000513.