Contributions to the tribes Othiini and Xantholinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) of Trkiye from the Aegean Region.

The main object of this study is to make contributions to the Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) fauna of Trkiye with additional records from tribes Othiini and Xantholinini and a new species of Xantholinus Dejean, 1821. Examined material was composed of specimens collected from the Aegean Region between 20192022. A total of 18 species were recorded, belonging to nine genera and two tribes. Three of these are new records for Aegean Region. Furthermore, a new species, Xantholinus (Calolinus) manisaensis sp. n., is described from Manisa province. Description of the new species, photographs of habitus, genital segment and aedeagus as well as a differential diagnosis are also provided. The global distributions of the above species are included, and the zoogeographic status of each species is discussed. Previous records from the study area are compared to and evaluated with our findings. The majority of the collected species were European and Asian in distribution, reflecting the regional character and geographical position of Trkiye. It can be concluded that climate change has negatively affected biodiversity and with species loss as a possible result.

An examination of the intrapuparial development of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Calliphoridae: Diptera) at three different temperatures.

The determination of intrapuparial development periods and development times of insects with holometabolous metamorphosis is necessary both in terms of developmental biology and for minimum Post-mortem interval (PMImin) calculations in forensic entomology. In this study, Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), which is a cosmopolitan species and one of the most rapidly attracted to carrion, was studied. The focus was the intrapuparial development periods of this species at varying temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C), knowledge which is used in forensic entomology for the estimation of Post-mortem interval (PMI) and is a type of black box. At the specified temperatures, pupae were collected and puparia were dissected hourly; thus, developmental periods were determined, and minimum and maximum starting times of these periods were calculated. With this research, a total of 20 periods, nine of which are new, were determined. The hourly determination of intrapuparial development periods at three different temperatures is the first in the world for this species.

Effect of constant and fluctuating temperature on the intrapuparial development of Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830; Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

This study aimes to investigate the effect of constant and fluctuating temperatures on starting times of developmental periods of insect species. For this purpose, Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), a forensically important species has been chosen. Whether the constant (25°C) and fluctuating (25.2°C averaged over natural conditions) temperatures would make a difference on the timing of intrapuparial development of this species was investigated. First larval instars were placed in rearing cages until they reached post-feeding third larval instar, which is considered the beginning of intrapuparial development. Relevant morphological changes were observed by hourly dissections. At fluctuating temperature treatment, the post-feeding third instar larvae were transferred to containers under natural, open-air conditions. Minimum and maximum starting times of 23 intrapuparial development periods were determined for both treatments. These times, medians, and standard deviations were compared by Mann-Whitney U tests. Accumulated degree hour values were also calculated for these periods. Regardless of temperature treatment, intrapuparial development periods were similar and adult emergence was observed at 289.5 ( ± 1.52) h under 25°C constant temperature and 319 ( ± 1.41) h under fluctuating temperature conditions. No statistical difference was found between the intrapuparial development of S. argyrostoma reared under constant and fluctuating temperatures, except "pupal-adult apolysis" and "checkered pattern on the abdomen becoming distinct" periods. The use of the results obtained when determining the effect of constant and fluctuating temperatures on the starting times of developmental periods of this species in forensic entomology, is also important in transferring developmental biology data into the field of applied sciences.

A Study of the pupal developments of Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830).

Forensic entomology is a discipline in which insect evidence is used to determine the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). The insect evidence may also provide valuable information about the movement of the body, cause of the death, drug use, or poisoning. The pupal period constitutes approximately 50% of immature development. Therefore, it provides a more accurate estimation of the PMImin via a detailed examination. In this study, the pupal development of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), which larviposits on dead bodies, was examined in Turkey. The pupal development periods of S. argyrostoma and the range of the beginning hours (maximum and minimum) of these periods were determined at a constant temperature of 20, 25, and 30 °C. When all of the temperatures were considered, it was determined that 23 pupal development stages were similar; however, the development times shortened as the temperature increased. Adult emergence was observed at 459 (±1.41), 289.5 (±1.52), and 227 (±1.89) h at 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. With respect to the pupal period used to determine the PMImin, the development of S. argyrostoma at different temperatures was described in this study for the first time.

The analysis of pupal development period in Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) forensically important insect.

Forensic entomology is a study that insect evidence is used for the determination of postmortem interval (PMImin). While determining PMImin, the pupal period is given as the duration between the beginning of the pupal period and the stage of adult emergence. The pupal period constitutes approximately 50 % of the immature development, and with detailed examination it would be possible to present a much more accurate PMImin. In this study, the pupal period of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826), which is one of the species used in PMImin estimation in forensic entomology, was investigated. Studies about the pupal period of development are considerably limited in the forensic entomology world. Stages and duration of the pupal period of Lucilia sericata were studied at temperatures of 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C. For all temperatures, pupae specimens were dissected and photographed hourly. According to findings based on all three temperatures, it was determined that as the temperature increases, the duration of development shortens. Also, in addition to 11 pre-determined development stages, nine new development stages were identified.

A new species of the Agriotes nuceus species group from Turkey.

A new Elateridae species, Agriotes longipronotum n. sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Elaterinae: Agriotini), is described from Siirt province, Turkey. Photographs of the imago and the aedeagus, and drawings of the aedeagus of the new species, A. sameki , A. bulgaricus , and A. rahmei are given. A rearranged diagnostic key of all Turkish species of nuceus -group is given. The new species is discussed in relation with closely related species. The species of the Agriotes nuceus -group from Turkey are listed, and their distributions are given.

Effects of different types of soil on decomposition: an experimental study.

Decomposition, a postmortem process including autolysis and putrefaction, is affected by many factors (e.g., humidity, microbial activity, soil properties). The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of soil type in decomposition process. Changes occurred in two intervals (3 and 6 months) were evaluated using a total of 32 Sus scrofa limbs by burying in four different types of soil (loamy, clayey, sandy and organic). The extremities in all soils had lost weight over time; however, mass loss was greater in loamy and organic soils in both intervals. Entomological findings were also assessed. Obtained findings of soil analysis and evaluation of decomposition were compatible. In conclusion, the present study revealed that soil properties and textures should be taken into account in evaluation of decomposition and estimating postmortem interval in crime scene investigation.

A new species and new records for the subfamily Aleocharinae from Turkey.

In this study, a new Aleocharinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) species from Turkey, Gyrophaena cagatay sp. n. (Aksaray), is described and illustrated. In addition, new records are presented for seven species: Atheta hygrotopora (Kraatz, 1856), Atheta incognita (Sharp, 1869), Atheta ripicola Hanssen, 1932, Brachyusa concolor Erichson, 1839, Ischnopoda leucopus (Marsham, 1802), Ischnopoda subaenea Eppelsheim, 1890, and Liogluta granigera Kiesenwetter, 1850. Photographs of the habitus of male and female specimens are presented. The 8(th) tergite and aedeagus of the male and the spermatheca of the female are also illustrated for the new species. Differential diagnosis guidelines are given for comparisons with Gyrophaena rousi Dvorak, 1966.

Faunistic composition, ecological properties, and zoogeographical composition of the Elateridae (Coleoptera) family in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey.

The main aim of this study was to understand the faunistic composition, ecological properties, and zoogeographical composition of the family Elateridae (Coleoptera) of the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. As a result, 44 species belonging to 5 subfamilies and 19 genera were identified. After adding species reported in the literature to the analysis, the fauna in the research area consists of 6 subfamilies, 23 genera and 72 species. Most of the Elateridae fauna of the Western Black Sea region were classified in the subfamilies Elaterinae and Dendrometrinae. The genus Athous was the most species-rich genus. The species composition of the Elateridae fauna of the Western Black Sea region partially overlaps with the known Elateridae fauna of Turkey. The Western Black Sea region shares the most species with the European part of the Western Palaearctic region, including many of those in the Elateridae family, compared to other regions. Comparisons of the three geographical regions of Turkey show that fauna composition, ecological properties, and zoogeographical compositions of the Middle and Western Black Sea regions are more similar to each other than to those of the Central Anatolian region.

A new species, Athous (Orthathous) cagatayae, from Turkey.

A new Elateridae species, Athous (Orthathous) cagatayae n. sp., is presented from Ankara, Turkey. The morphology of the new species is described. Photographs of imago and aedeagus, aedeagi drawings of the new species, and identification key are given. The new species is discussed with species of acutangulus group, with a differential diagnosis.

Faunistic composition, ecological properties and zoogeographical composition of the family Elateridae (Coleoptera) of the Central Anatolian region of Turkey.

The focus of this study was to understand the faunistic composition, ecological properties and zoogeographical composition of Elateridae (Coleoptera) of the Central Anatolian region. 72 species belonging to seven subfamilies and 25 genera were identified. The major part of the Elateridae fauna of the Central Anatolian region is formed by the subfamilies Elaterinae and Cardiophorinae. The genus Cardiophorus was the most species-rich genus. The species composition of the Elateridae fauna of the Central Anatolian region is partially consistent with known Elateridae fauna of Turkey. The Central Anatolian region shares most species with the European part of the Western Palaearctic as does the Elateridae fauna of Turkey. Detailed localities of nine species are given for the first time for Turkey, with emphasis on the Central Anatolian region.

Determination of Calliphoridae (Diptera) fauna and seasonal distribution on carrion in Ankara province.

This study was conducted from March 2006 to 2007. The aim of the study was to determine the forensically significant Calliphoridae (Diptera) species and their seasonal distribution in Ankara province at Beytepe Campus. Pig carcasses were killed by a veterinary using pentobarbital sodium with intervals from 2 to 3 weeks to a month. Samples were collected from the carcass everyday in the morning, in the afternoon, and at sunset. Temperature and parameters of weather, such as cloudy, sunny, rainy, and snowy, were recorded at each visit. Phaenicia sericata (Meigen), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), and Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) species, which belong to Calliphoridae family, were collected. It was shown that the seasonal distribution of the collected species was different from each other. The species were determined on carcass between the following times; P. sericata, from April to November; C. albiceps, from May to November; Ca. vomitoria, from February to June and from September to December; and Ca. vicina, from February to May and in June and September. Calliphoridae fauna and its annual seasonal distribution in Turkey on 12 pig carcasses were reported for the first time in this study.

Determination of Coleoptera fauna on carcasses in Ankara province, Turkey.

In this study, 40 species from Staphylinidae, Histeridae, Dermestidae, Silphidae, Nitidulidae and Cleridae families of Coleoptera which were found in 12 pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were identified and recorded during a one-year period at the Hacettepe University Beytepe Campus located in Ankara, Turkey. According to the duration of their presence on the carcasses, 22 of these species were accepted to be important in decomposition. Their distribution over the months and the duration of their presence in the various decomposition stages over the seasons were determined.