A Survey and Morphological Description of Forensically Important Insects Associated with the Decomposition of Goat and Sheep Corpses in Iraq

In forensic entomology, both beetles and flies are essential for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), but they have different roles throughout the decomposition process. Diptera, mainly flies, are the first to colonize a corpse, which is essential for understanding early decomposition. Beetles are crucial for longer PMI estimates, highlighting the importance of studying both in forensic investigations. Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that has used insects found on corpses to help solve criminal cases and to provide important information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). It is also applied to clarify other relevant details, such as the circumstances of death and its cause.The present study was conducted to include a survey and a brief description of some forensically important insects from goat and sheep carcasses in several governorates of Iraq. These were Altun Kopry, Daquq, and Taza in Kirkuk; Khanaqin and Saadia in Diyala; Kalar in Sulimani; Qostappa and Shaqlawa in Erbil; and Tuz Khurmato in Salahaddin, from January to July 2023. Seven species were identified. Three of these are part of the order Coleoptera: Creophilus maxillosus (Linnaeus), Dermestes maculatus (Kugelann, 1792), and Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781). Four species are from the order Diptera: Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758; Sarcophaga africa (Wiedemann, 1824); Calliphora vicina Rob.-Desvoidy, 1830; and Chrysomyia albiceps (Wiedemann). Taxonomic keys of some families associated with forensically important insects were formulated, and their distinctive characteristics were mentioned. The adults, antennae, and male genitalia of the species were photographed. Localities and collection dates were also recorded.