Entomologic and taphonomic differences between autopsied and non-autopsied carrion and its implications for cadaver research

Cadavers used in entomologic and taphonomic research possess an inherent set of unique limitations that have only begun to be explored. One very dramatic alteration that may lead to confounding factors is autopsy. Autopsied cadavers have a greater amount of internal surface area exposed than non-autopsied cadavers, which may have an affect on the diversity and abundance of carrion insects. Autopsy may result in a decreased availability of flesh for maggot consumption thus limiting the size of a potential maggot mass, which have been shown to accelerate decomposition by raising the ambient temperature of the subject. Additionally, there is a potential for altered oviposition sites by providing more potential locations. Finally, autopsied cadavers may desiccate at an increased rate, which could alter the succession of insects by bringing the corpse to a drier stage sooner. To initiate studies of autopsy on the tempo and mode of decomposition and its ultimate role in entomologic and taphonomic studies, we used donated cat carcasses as an analog for human cadavers. Ten cats were split into five sets of two (pairing an autopsied individual with a non-autopsied individual). The insect species present and number of each species was visually observed and recorded twice daily for 14 days. Differences between the treatments were analyzed for statistical significance to determine if the data from this study provides support against the assumption that autopsied cadavers decompose similarly to non-autopsied cadavers.