These tiny creatures like scorpion flies, mouse-tailed maggots, and more have a peculiar interest – “cleaning up” corpses.
The animal kingdom is full of mysteries. We have known about carnivorous and herbivorous species, and even those that consume waste to survive, but perhaps the latest discoveries by scientists regarding scavenger organisms that feed on dead bodies will send chills down many spines.
However, for the field of forensic science, this discovery is incredibly significant. Forensic examiners can rely on the types and numbers of insects surrounding a corpse to determine the time of death and the crime scene’s location – especially in cases where the body has been moved by a murderer.
The following list of organisms will astonish many:
1. The “Legendary” Fly
Italian scientists discovered a species of death-feeding fly known scientifically as Thyreophora cynophila (or bone skipper) in Spain. Through their research, experts found that this fly was believed to have gone extinct 160 million years ago but reappeared in 2013, leading them to call it the “legendary fly.”
The Thyreophora cynophila fly measures about 10 cm, featuring a bright orange head, metallic green legs, and somewhat speckled wings. Its favorite food consists of human and animal remains.
With highly sensitive olfactory sensors, the “legendary fly” can detect its “prey” even when buried under snow. Typically, they will lay eggs on the corpse and wait for the larvae to develop, which rapidly multiply and thrive, mainly residing in the abdomen of the corpse.
For forensic examiners, finding secretions and traces of this organism on a corpse will be a crucial link in establishing a timeline for determining the time of death.
2. Grasshoppers and Woodlice
Many people believe that grasshoppers and woodlice are “herbivorous” creatures, but the truth is they also appear on decomposing corpses. This conclusion was reached after American scientists analyzed the biological decomposition of a body.
Short-horned grasshoppers come in light brown and green, with body lengths of about 5 cm.
Jennifer Pechal, a scientist at the Forensic Anthropology Center in Texas, and her colleagues observed an unusual phenomenon where a grasshopper species known as Pediodectes haldemani (short-horned grasshopper) and woodlice known as Armadillidium cf. vulgare were foraging on the remains of a man.
This white male weighed approximately 153 kg and was found in the middle of a field in May 2012. The short-horned grasshopper found in the forearm of the corpse was a pregnant female.
Woodlice Armadillidium cf. vulgare
According to experts, this may be why the grasshoppers were searching for a rich source of protein. Strangely, this is the first time these two species have been observed feeding on human corpses (although woodlice have been found in rat carcasses before).
Experts are still trying to uncover the reason behind this tiny creature’s interest in dead bodies.
3. Hover Flies
In a year-long investigation at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Institute, a research group led by Natalie Lindgren from Sam Houston State University observed four cases of insects feeding on corpses that were rarely recorded in history.
The experts found mouse-tailed maggots and Eristalis arbustorum hover flies in the corpse of a 76-year-old man buried 60 cm deep in the ground near a stream.
This was the first time larvae of the hover fly species were found in a human corpse. Described as resembling bees, this fly has a light yellow color with stripes on its body, but its head resembles that of a fly.
The hover fly’s flight style is almost stationary, then it darts forward quickly over short distances before slowing down to accurately locate its prey.
Image of the mouse-tailed maggot
Researchers also noted that mouse-tailed maggots are considered one of the strangest types of maggots today. They can survive for extended periods in polluted environments and have a particular fondness for corpses. The bodies of mouse-tailed maggots have a long tube that floats on the water’s surface, allowing them to breathe rhythmically while “enjoying” their meal underwater.
4. Scorpion Flies
Scientists have also observed the scorpion fly (Panorpa nuptialis) feeding on liquid from the corpse of a 77-year-old man. This species primarily inhabits Western Europe and typically feeds on dead insects, nectar, and rotting fruits.
Not only was it the first time they were found feeding on human corpses, but they were also the first “uninvited guests” to arrive within approximately 20 minutes. Described as such, the male of this species has a large reproductive organ resembling the stinger of a scorpion, hence the name scorpion fly.
5. Flesh-Eating Beetles
Flesh-eating beetles (dermestids) are a type of beetle belonging to the order Coleoptera, measuring from 1 to 12 mm in size and typically dark brown. They proliferate most abundantly in spring and early summer.
Female flesh-eating beetles can lay approximately 50 eggs within three weeks throughout their lifespan before dying. After 6 to 11 days in favorable warm temperatures, the eggs start to hatch into larvae.
The larvae are averse to bright light, preferring to hide in darkness. Newly hatched larvae are small but can stretch their bodies into a cigar-like shape. After hatching, they begin to search for their favorite food – corpses.
According to experts, these flesh-eating beetles are incredibly beneficial in cleaning up animal skeletons or “leftovers” – providing significant effectiveness in research and investigation.
