THE INFLUENCE OF METHOMYL AND OPIOIDS ON THE DECOMPOSITION OF RABBIT CARCASSES AND INSECT SUCCESSION

Internal decomposition starts in corpses after death due to microorganisms. It is accompanied by the arrival of forensic insects to the corpses in succession shortly after death according to the stages of decomposition. Their arrival is affected by several factors, including temperature, humidity, and geographical location. The exposition of rabbits to toxin chemicals such as chemical pesticides and drugs before death can delay the decomposition of corpses or affect forensic insects. This study examined the impact of methomyl and morphine on the arrival of insects and the decomposition period for treated buried rabbits in the rural area of the holy city of Kadhimiya in Baghdad. Five species of dipterans have been recorded as belonging to four families, namely Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, and Ulididae, and six species of coleopterans belong to five families, that is Histeridae, Dermestidae, Cleridae, Staphylinidae, and Nitidulidae. Moreover, six hymenopteran species belonging to three families were recorded, i.e., Pteromalidae, Chalcididae, and Formicidae. The study results show that rabbit bodies decompose faster with morphine treatment, followed by the control treatment and then the methomyl treatment by 15.17, 17.17, and 20.17 days after death, respectively. Also, insects are found in rabbit corpses according to the stages of decomposition and, as such, can be used as forensic evidence to determine the cause of death.