The rate and quality of post-mortem hair root changes in relation to melanin content.

Hairs is a relatively environmentally resistant biological material that is often found at crime scenes. Human hair is more durable than other biological traces such as blood or urine, and its collection and storage does not require specific preservation procedures. Melanin is the hair pigment, which is the main determinant of hair colour. There are two pigments present in human hair: eumelanin, predominant in dark hair, and pheomelanin, responsible for red colour. Eumelanin is more resistant and has photoprotective properties, while pheomelanin is phototoxic and shows lower resistance to environmental factors. The differences in the properties of eu- and pheomelanin are the basis of the present study, which aimed to examine the rate and quality of taphonomic changes in hair roots in relation to the predominant melanin type, under the influence of selected environmental factors, such as soil pH, degree of exposure to solar radiation, temperature and water from a natural watercourse (river) and chemically pure water. Therefore, changes in blonde, dark, grey, red and dyed hair roots were microscopically documented for six months under the influence of the above factors. The results of the study indicated the strongest degradation potential among acidic soil and a riverine environment, as well as the protective role of eumelanin against environmental taphonomic factors. Degradation occurred most rapidly in the river environment, where microbial activity was additionally observed. Distilled water, exposure to sunlight and low temperature did not lead to decomposition changes. The results of our team's research provide the basis for an extended analysis of the changes occurring in hair under the influence of environmental factors in relation to melanin content.

Let's make a mess, maybe no one will notice. The impact of bioturbation activity on the urn fill condition.

The research was carried out at the cremation cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Wtórek, Ostrów Wielkopolski district, Wielkopolska province, Poland. Contrary to the so-far-studied topics related to the CT imaging of burnt bones and their virtual exploration, we concentrated on the analysis of the structures formed by the soil fauna activity in the fills of urns and additional vessels, and reconstruction of the dynamics of the ecosystem variability within the cemetery area based on thereof. We also demonstrated the impact of macrofaunal activity on stratigraphy and bone fragmentation. From the total of 222 excavated burials in 18 urns and one additional vessel, the remains of macrofauna or its bioturbation activity were identified. Out of 19 vessels subjected to CT examinations, traces of macrofaunal activity were demonstrated in 13: in five vessels animal bioturbative activity was not observed and in one, observations was impossible (due to significant metal-related artifacts). In two vessels both macrofaunal remains and traces of activity were identified. Discovered bioturbations were associated with specific species or genera. Nests or their parts of the genus Geotrupes sp. beetles were the most frequently observed traces of macrofaunal activity. Tunnels and aestivation chambers of earthworms and chambers of the genus Harpalus sp. beetles filled with Setaria sp. caryopses were discovered. The chitinous parts of other insects and the humerus bones of the vole of the genus Microtus sp. were also identified. It was shown, especially due to the non-destructive method, that rodents activity had the most destructive effect on the bone stratigraphy as well as on the movement and fragmentation of the burnt bones. The chances of visualizing bioturbations decreased with time since their creation. The process of disappearance of traces of macrofaunal activity concerned both traces of rodent activity and nests set up by Geotrupes sp. and other species.

"Salt mummification" - atypical method of embalming a corpse.

It is extremely rare for table salt to be used to preserve a dead body in criminal cases. In the case presented here, after the death of his 85-year-old mother, a son kept her body preserved in table salt for about 2 years to extort social benefits (pension). Before her death, the woman had been hospitalised twice due to chronic diseases. The case has been examined by the multi-disciplinary team. The unusual conditions in which the corpse was stored influenced its good condition (close to mummification), with limited colonisation of the corpse by necrophagous insects and insects involved in soft tissue biolysis (i.e. selected Diptera or Coleoptera). The use of table salt inhibited the growth of most fungi which would normally be present on a corpse stored in ambient conditions, and the corpse's surface was colonised by halophilic fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis).

Disentangling phylogenetic relations and biogeographic history within the Cucujus haematodes species group (Coleoptera: Cucujidae).

Recent progress in the taxonomy of flat bark beetles (Cucujidae), specifically, in the genus Cucujus, has revealed great diversity in subtropical Asia, but the seemingly well-known temperate and boreal taxa need further attention because of their conservation status. Here, we used an integrative approach using morphology, DNA, and species distribution modelling to disentangle phylogenetic relations, verify the number of species, and understand the historical biogeography of Palearctic and Nearctic Cucujus beetles, particularly the C. haematodes species group. Species distinctiveness was supported for C. cinnaberinus, but present-day C. haematodes turned out to be a species complex made up of separate lineages in the western, middle and eastern parts of its Palearctic range. Cucujus muelleri was a member of that complex, being sister to Asian C. haematodes. Moreover, C. haematodes caucasicus was found to be phylogenetically closely related to Italian C. tulliae, and both to be sister to European C. haematodes. North American C. clavipes clavipes and C. c. puniceus resulted to be enough divergent to be considered different species. Interestingly, western American C. puniceus turned out to be closely related to the C. haematodes complex, whereas eastern American C. clavipes constituted a separate lineage, being distantly related to both C. puniceus and C. cinnaberinus. These patterns suggest former trans-continental connections among the ancestors of extant flat bark beetle species. Moreover, a divergent lineage of C. cinnaberinus was found in Calabria, which should be regarded at the very least as a subspecies. The ancestor of C. hameatodes group originated in mid-Miocene, and next, ca. 6.2 Mya, a line leading to C. cinnaberinus had split. Speciation of the American lineages occurred during Pliocene (4.4 Mya for C. clavipes and 3.3 Mya for C. puniceus). Species classified as C. haematodes, C. tulliae and C. muelleri, as well as distinct lineages within C. cinnaberinus split during mid Pleistocene (ca. 1.5 Mya). A comparison of species climatic requirements and their present distribution allowed to identify glacial refugia in south-eastern areas of North America (C. clavipes), south-western areas of North America (C. puniceus), and the Mediterranean and Caspian Sea Basins (European Cucujus species), or south-eastern areas of Asia and the foothills of the central Asian mountains (eastern C. haematodes). Subsequent climatic changes in the Holocene forced these beetles to move their ranges northwards along the coasts of the Pacific (C. puniceus) or Atlantic (C. clavipes), north-eastwards to central, northern, and eastern Europe (C. cinnaberinus and European C. haematodes) or Siberia (Asian C. haematodes). The combined use of molecular, morphological and climatic data allows a comprehensive understanding of the phylogenetic relations and past distributions of Cucujus beetles, highlighting the complexity of C. haematodes species group evolution.

Bottled & canned - Anthropogenic debris as an understudied ecological trap for small animals.

Nowadays, littering is one of the biggest challenges that environmental conservation is facing. Although beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, belong to the most common threats in this context, their effect on animals has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity and mortality level of the animal taxa entering discarded containers and to investigate which container features influence the number and functional composition of the trapped animals. The study was conducted in 10 urban woodlands in the city of Wroclaw, Poland. In total, 939 open containers were collected. In 56% of them, a total number of 10,162 dead individuals (10,139 invertebrates and 23 vertebrates) was found. The most common amongst them were insects (orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera), malacostracans (Isopoda), arachnids (Opiliones, Sarcoptiformes) and gastropods (Stylommatophora). The number of dead animals was affected positively by the container capacity and was significantly higher in glass and plastic bottles when compared to aluminium cans. At the same time, the presence of a neck negatively affected the number of dead animals. Container capacity was also positively correlated with the abundance of the most common functional groups: predators, phytophages and saprophages. Moreover, colourless and green, but not brown, containers were a significant predictor for the abundance of the latter two groups. Our study revealed that discarded containers constitute an ecological trap for many groups of animals. There is an urgent need to reduce the amount of rubbish in the environment by, for example, the implementation of regional and international regulations addressing the problem of littering, or organising repeated clean-up and educational activities.

Larval Morphological Adaptations of Leiodes cinnamomea (Panzer, 1793) (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Leiodinae)-Obligatory Feeder of Tuber Species.

Detailed redescription of morphology for three larval instars of truffle-feeder Leiodes cinnamomea, documented on scanning micrographs and illustrations, is provided. Systematic context, observations on biology and unique characteristics of larvae of the only well-described representative of Leiodini are discussed. Exoskeletal invaginations (pseudomycangia), granulation on the head and the median longitudinal row of sclerotized plates on tergites VII-IX-the unique structures among leiodid larvae-were confirmed, described and documented. A mosaic strategy for beetles living in ephemeral and in solid fungi is discussed.

Can plants indicate where a corpse is buried? Effects of buried animal tissues on plant chemistry: Preliminary study.

The bodies of murder or accident victims may be concealed below ground to cover up the crime by the perpetrator. During decomposition, nutrient-rich substances that may affect the surrounding environment enter the soil. The logical effect of local changes in soil biogeochemistry should be an impact on the vegetation occurring in a cadaver decomposition island (CDI). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds, which are common plant fertilizers, have received most of the attention in studies using animal remains, but many other elements such as trace metals enter the environment during decomposition of carcass. Furthermore, the decomposition of carcasses can locally affect environmental parameters such as humidity, soil pH, and oxygenation. This study examined whether animal tissues buried in soil could affect vegetation. The experiment was conducted in an open space in southern Poland, using limbs from Sus scrofa domestica. Four test plots were set up: I - clean soil (control plot), II - control plot + urine (potential nitrogen source), III - animal tissues buried at 20 cm depth and IV - animal tissues buried at 10 cm depth. Seedlings of Begonia semperflorens were planted in all four plots. After the end of one full growing season, plant measurements were obtained, and soil and plant material samples were taken. The presence of limbs, regardless of depth, had a very positive effect on plant development. Chemical analyses were performed to determine which compounds could have affected the vegetation. In addition to the standard analyses for nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium, levels of copper, iron, manganese, zinc and magnesium were also determined. The elemental content in the soil and plant material from different plots varied. Interestingly, despite the more intense vegetation, lower levels of elements were found in the soil and leaves of plants from the experimental than from the control plots. In many cases, there were clear differences in the contents of elements between the experimental plots. This could indicate, for example, different phases of animal tissue decomposition, which could have been caused by the different depths at which the remains were buried. As concentrations of elements in soil and plants can change significantly over time, material will need to be collected at regular intervals in any future studies. However, it is still unknown what exactly is responsible for the enhanced plant growth within a CDI and whether there are markers that could be helpful in identifying the burial sites of carcasses on the basis of comprehensive vegetation analysis.

Microbial traces and their role in forensic science.

Forensic microbiology, also known as the microbiology of death, is an emerging branch of science that is still underused in criminal investigations. Some of the cases might be difficult to solve with commonly used forensic methods, and then they become an operational field for microbiological and mycological analyses. The aim of our review is to present significant achievements of selected studies on the thanatomicrobiome (micro-organisms found in the body, organs and fluids after death) and epinecrotic community (micro-organisms found on decaying corpses) that can be used in forensic sciences. Research carried out as a part of the forensic microbiology deals with the thanatomicrobiome and the necrobiome-communities of micro-organisms that live inside and outside of a putrefying corpse. Change of species composition observed in each community is a valuable feature that gives a lot of information related to the crime. It is mainly used in the estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI). In some criminal investigations, such noticeable changes in the microbiome and mycobiome can determine the cause or the actual place of death. The microbial traces found at the crime scene can also provide clear evidence of guilt. Nowadays, identification of micro-organisms isolated from the body or environment is based on metagenome analysis and 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing for bacteria and ITS rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing for fungi. Cultivation methods are still in use and seem to be more accurate; however, they require much more time to achieve a final result, which is an unwanted feature in any criminal investigation.

Dermestes (s.str.) haemorrhoidalis (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)-The Most Frequent Species on Mummified Human Corpses in Indoor Conditions? Three Cases from Southwestern Poland.

Beetles of the family Dermestidae, especially of the genus Dermestes Linnaeus, 1758, are often identified on corpses in late stages of decomposition. They usually feed on remains devoid of organs and soft tissues or when the corpses undergo mummification. In Europe, eight species from two subgenera Dermestes and Dermestinus Zhantiev, 1967, have so far been identified on human corpses. Despite the relatively frequent presence of Dermestes sp. in experimental studies conducted in Poland, no reports concerning Dermestes directly collected from human corpses have been published to date. This article again describes observations of Dermestidae collected from human corpses found in indoor conditions in Wroclaw, the capital of the Dolnoslaskie Voivodeship. For the second time, there is evidence of the presence of Dermestes (s.str.) haemorrhoidalis on human corpses-a species considered to be relatively rare, as evidenced by faunistic data published from Poland, as well as the results of ongoing experiments of forensic interest.

The European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) Monitoring Network: International Citizen Science Cooperation Reveals Regional Differences in Phenology and Temperature Response.

To address the decline in biodiversity, international cooperation in monitoring of threatened species is needed. Citizen science can play a crucial role in achieving this challenging goal, but most citizen science projects have been established at national or regional scales. Here we report on the establishment and initial findings of the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network (ESBMN), an international network of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) monitoring schemes using the same protocol. The network, started in 2016, currently includes 14 countries (see results) but with a strong variation in output regarding the number of transects (148 successful transects in total) and transect walks (1735). We found differences across European regions in the number of stag beetles recorded, related to phenology and temperature, but not for time of transect start. Furthermore, the initial experiences of the ESBMN regarding international cooperation, citizen science approach, and drop-out of volunteers is discussed. An international standardised protocol that allows some local variation is essential for international collaboration and data management, and analysis is best performed at the international level, whereas recruiting, training, and maintaining volunteers is best organised locally. In conclusion, we appeal for more joint international citizen science-based monitoring initiatives assisting international red-listing and conservation actions.

Body Remains Left by Bird Predators as a Reliable Source for Population Genetic Studies in the Great Capricorn Beetle Cerambyx cerdo, a Veteran Oak Specialist.

Obtaining biological material for DNA extraction is often challenging in organisms of conservation interest. Non-invasive sampling (i.e., sampling without injuring or disturbing an animal) is preferred as it carries no risk to the population's survival. Here, we tested the possibility of using the body remains left by bird predators for microsatellite genotyping in Cerambyx cerdo, a veteran oak specialist. We compared results obtained from such potentially degraded samples with samples of fresh beetle tarsi (i.e., invasive and destructive but non-lethal samples). Using 10 SSR loci, we genotyped 28 fresh, and 28 remains samples. The analysis indicated that PCR amplification efficiency was not influenced by sample type but allele length and individual heterozygosity. Allele frequencies were perfectly correlated for both sample types (R2 = 0.94). Additionally, null allele frequencies and genotyping failure rates were not significantly different from zero. Although the point estimates of individual inbreeding rates (fi) were higher in remains than fresh samples (medians 0.08 vs. 0.02, respectively), both groups were not significantly different from each other and zero. Our study demonstrated that non-invasive remains samples could provide satisfactory data for population-genetic studies. However, we highlight the problem of biased inbreeding estimates, which may result from samples affected by allelic dropout.

Entangling the Enemy: Ecological, Systematic, and Medical Implications of Dermestid Beetle Hastisetae.

Hastisetae are modified setae typical of Dermestidae Megatominae and are a primary defensive tool of both larvae and pupae against invertebrates and possibly vertebrates. Given their unique morphological features, hastisetae have recently been suggested as an additional character useful for larvae identification and possible source of information to clarify the systematics of Megatominae. Hastisetae are also recognized as important contaminants of stored products, work and living environment; in particular, the exposure to hastisetae seems to cause allergic reactions and the insurgence of skin rashes, asthma, conjunctivitis, and digestive system inflammation in humans. Starting from these basic concepts, the present paper provides a detailed description of the hastisetae of some Megatominae. Fine morphology of external and internal microstructures of the hastisetae is shown and compared at the genus level. The insertion on integument, the pedicel, the shaft, and the apical head are illustrated in detail, and the first observations of active defensive behavior based on hastisetae are recorded and presented. Possible implications to the systematics of skin beetles are proposed based on the results of the study.

Online media reveals a global problem of discarded containers as deadly traps for animals.

The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems. We have analyzed online media, to assess the diversity of animals that are prone to getting trapped in discarded containers and check which kind of containers is the most common trap for animals. A total of 503 records from around the world (51 countries, 6 continents) have been found. These include invertebrates (17 taxa, ca.1050 dead individuals), and vertebrates (98 taxa, 496 individuals including 44 carcasses). The latter group was most frequently represented by mammals (78.5% of all cases), then reptiles (15.3%), birds (1.2%), fish (1.0%) and amphibians (0.4%). Nearly 12.5% of the determined vertebrates are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the IUCN. Although most trapped individuals were smaller animals, bigger ones such as monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) or large carnivores were also recorded. In most cases, animals were trapped in glass or plastic jars (32.4%), drink cans (16.5%), and steel cans (16.3%). Our results demonstrate that discarded containers can be a threat to all major groups of animals. In order to address this phenomenon, it is necessary to decrease a global production of debris, implement container deposit legislation and organize repeatable cleanup actions.

Supporting dataset and methods for body sizes and concentrations of chemical elements measured in elytra and abdomens of Stag Beetles Lucanus cervus.

The dataset presented in this data paper supports "Breaking down insect stoichiometry into chitin-based and internal elemental traits: Patterns and correlates of continent-wide intraspecific variation in the largest European saproxylic beetle" (Orlowski et al. 2020). Here we present the supplementary data and description of methods on the following: (1) mass of elytra and abdomens across 28 local Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus populations in Europe. (2) Population origin and coverage of six major land-cover types, including transport infrastructure, measured in three radii (500 m, 1000 m and 5000 m) around the sampling sites of these populations. (3) The relationship between the mass and concentrations of elements measured in abdomens and elytra in 28 Stag Beetle populations and major land-cover types around the sampling sites.

A mummified human corpse and associated insects of forensic importance in indoor conditions.

We report, for the first time from Poland, the presence of Dermestes haemorrhoidalis (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) on a mummified human corpse found in a flat (Lower Silesia province, south-western Poland). Different life stages of D. haemorrhoidalis were gathered from the cadaver, and the signs of activity of these beetles (i.e. frass) were observed. On the basis of these facts, we concluded that the decedent, whose remains were discovered in the flat on 13 December 2018, died no later than the summer of 2018, with a strong probability that death occurred even earlier (2016 or 2017). A case history, autopsy findings, and entomological observations are provided. The presence of larvae of Dermestidae in the empty puparia of flies is reported for the first time. A list of the invertebrate species found in the corpse is provided, compared with available data, and briefly discussed.

Breaking down insect stoichiometry into chitin-based and internal elemental traits: Patterns and correlates of continent-wide intraspecific variation in the largest European saproxylic beetle.

Stoichiometric, trophic and ecotoxicological data have traditionally been acquired from patterns of variation in elemental traits of whole invertebrate bodies, whereas the critical issue of the extracellular origin of some portion of elements, such as those present in ingested food and internal organs, has been ignored. Here we investigated an unexplored, yet crucial, question relating to whether, and to what degree, metals from two major body fractions: exoskeleton (elytra) and internal (body organs with gut material present in abdomens), are correlated with each other in wild populations of the largest European saproxylic insect, the Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus, and how metals from these two fractions vary with insect size and local habitat conditions. We examined the continent-wide variation in the concentrations of 12 chemical elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Ni) measured in the elytra and abdomen of specimens from 28 populations inhabiting an urban-woodland habitat gradient across the species' entire distributional range from Spain to Russia. Across populations, elemental concentrations (except Ni and Pb) were 2-13 times higher in abdominal samples than in elytra, and the magnitude of these differences was related to both insect size and local habitat conditions. Smaller individuals from both woodland and urban habitat tended to have higher concentrations of trace elements (Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Ni). The concentration of only six elements (Mg, K, Na, Mn, Cd and Ni) was correlated in the elytra and abdomen at the individual and population levels, implying a limitation to the broader applicability of elytra as a surrogate for internal elemental pools. We highlight that in non-feeding adult saproxylic beetles, minerals, acquired during the larval stage, may be concentrated in the large quantities of residual body fat.

Occurrence, ecological function and medical importance of dermestid beetle hastisetae.

Hastisetae are a specific group of detachable setae characterizing the larvae of Megatominae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), commonly known as carpet and khapra beetles. These setae are located on both thoracic and abdominal tergites and they are the primary defense of the larva against invertebrate predators. According to previous studies, the main purpose of hastisetae is to work as a mechanical obstacle, but they are also capable to block and kill a predator. Hastisetae, single or aggregate, function as an extremely efficient mechanical trap, based on an entangling mechanism of cuticular structures (spines and hairs) and body appendages (antennae, legs and mouthparts). It is believed that this defensive system evolved primarily to contrast predation by invertebrates, however it has been observed that hastisetae may affect vertebrates as well. Although information on the impacts of vertebrate predators of the beetles is lacking, hastisetae have been shown to be a possible threat for human health as an important contaminant of stored products (food and fabric), work and living environment. Review of past and recent literature on dermestid larvae has revealed that despite these structures indicated as one of the distinctive characters in species identification, very little is known about their ultrastructure, evolution and mechanism of action. In the present work, we will provide the state of knowledge on hastisetae in Dermestidae and we will present and discuss future research perspectives intended to bridge the existing knowledge gaps.

Environmentally vulnerable noble chafers exhibit unusual pheromone-mediated behaviour.

Conserving populations of environmentally vulnerable insect species requires a greater understanding of the factors that determine their abundance and distribution, which requires detailed knowledge of their population and community ecology. Chemical ecological tools such as pheromones can be used for non-destructive monitoring of scarab beetle populations, enabling European countries to detect and, in some cases, map the range of some of these species, proving a valuable technique for monitoring elusive saproxylic beetles. In this paper, we investigated the behavioural and chemical ecology of the noble chafer, Gnorimus nobilis L., a model insect species of conservation concern across a Europe-wide distribution, and a red-listed UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. We identified a potential pheromone of adult beetles using electrophysiological recordings, behavioural measurements and field trials in the UK. Gnorimus nobilis is highly unusual in that although both sexes produce, at high metabolic cost, the natural product 2-propyl (E)-3-hexenoate, it only attracts males. This pattern of chemical signalling makes the classification of the compound, based on current semiochemical terminology, somewhat problematic, but in our view, it should be termed an aggregation pheromone as a consequence of the production pattern. Since both sexes emit it, but apparently only males respond positively to it, 2-propyl (E)-3-hexenoate may reflect an intermediate evolutionary stage towards developing into a sex-specific signal. From an applied perspective, our study provides a model for the non-invasive surveillance of cryptic vulnerable insect species, without the need for habitat searching or disturbance, and continuous human monitoring.

Ecological aspects of unusual findings of animals nesting inside a mummified human corpse in natural conditions.

We report, for the first time, a case of nesting by Apis mellifera mellifera (L., 1758) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae), Vespula vulgaris (L., 1758) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Vespidae), and Sciurus vulgaris L., 1758 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) inside a mummified human corpse in natural conditions (Lower Silesia province, south-western Poland). A case history, autopsy findings, and biological observations are provided. A list of the insect species found in the corpse is provided and compared with available data. Other zoological findings are mentioned and briefly discussed.

Larva and pupa of Ctesias (s. str.) serra (Fabricius, 1792) with remarks on biology and economic importance, and larval comparison of co-occurring genera (Coleoptera, Dermestidae).

Updated descriptions of the last larval instar (based on the larvae and exuviae) and first detailed description of the pupa of Ctesias (s. str.) serra (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are presented. Several morphological characters of C. serra larvae are documented: antenna, epipharynx, mandible, maxilla, ligula, labial palpi, spicisetae, hastisetae, terga, frons, foreleg, and condition of the antecostal suture. The paper is fully illustrated and includes some important additions to extend notes for this species available in the references. Summarised data about biology, economic importance, and distribution of C. serra are also provided. The comparison of larval characteristics for some of the genera of Dermestidae co-occurring with Ctesias is presented. A key for identification of these genera is also provided.