Preliminary data on the efficiency of a trap for continuously collecting sarcosaprophagous flies

One method used by forensic entomologists to determine a minimum post-mortem interval (PMI), or time since insect colonization, of carrion is the successional model. However, successional data is fraught with unreliable data due partly to collector bias, incorrect collecting techniques, and/or poorly timed collection periods. To overcome these limitations, the authors have constructed a trap designed to continually collect sarcosaprophagous dipterans without inhibiting or delaying access to the ephemeral carrion food source, or disturbing the natural decomposition process carrion.  Euthanized cats treated with the continuous collection trap were sampled daily and successional data were compared to cats allowed to decompose without the trap and sampled by traditional forensic collection protocol established by the American Council of Forensic Entomology. Stage of decomposition data were also collected from the treatment group and compared against the controlled groups. Along with data results, trap design is presented.