Initial studies of insect succession on cadavers in the Pineywoods ecoregion of Texas

A yearlong survey of the insect fauna found on 14 cadavers was conducted from March of 2009 to March of 2010 at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS), located in the Center for Biological Field Studies of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Tx. STAFS is located in the Pineywoods Ecoregion which is an expansive area that includes the metropolis of Houston. This Ecoregion is characterized by a subtropical climate, large distribution of pine trees and acidic soils. Although a general understanding about the progression of insects involved in the succession of decay is known, no research has been conducted using cadavers to attract insect taxa from the Pineywoods Ecoregion. Region specific insect succession models are necessary for forensic entomologists to establish the correct postmortem interval. Here we report insect succession models generated for each season for the Pineywoods Ecoregion. The findings of this research will add to the body of knowledge used by law enforcement officials, medical examiners and forensic experts.