Establishment of development rates for the hairy rove beetle, Creophilus maxillosus L. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

The incorporation of entomological evidence has become extremely valuable in determining postmortem intervals of deceased humans and poached wildlife. Entomologists apply biological and ecological principles, along with the understanding of development rates and life cycles of necrophilous insects, to estimate the minimum time elapsed since death. Currently, there is limited published development rates generated in a controlled, laboratory setting for forensically important beetles. This research was to document the development rates for all life stages for the hairy rove beetle, Creophilus maxillosus L. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). Development rates, standard deviation, and minimum-maximum ranges for each life stage reared at 16, 24, and 32 oC at 50% relative humidity and 12:12 hr light:dark cycle were determined. Collectively, these data will contribute to postmortem estimations based on development rates and accumulated degree days.