Cleridae
Definition
Checkered beetles. Arrive at remains to feed on other insects, particularly fly larvae and small beetles. They are secondary predators and their presence indicates a significant primary fly colonisation has occurred or is underway.
- Common name
- Checkered beetles
- Feeding role
- Secondary predator
- Prey
- Fly larvae, small beetles
- Forensic signal
- Indicates established primary fly colonisation
Common questions
Why does finding Cleridae on remains matter for PMI estimation?+
Because they are predators rather than direct decomposers, their presence tells an entomologist that fly colonisation has already progressed far enough to support a prey population, which helps constrain the minimum time since colonisation began rather than dating decomposition directly.
How are Cleridae distinguished from the fly larvae they prey on at a scene?+
Cleridae are adult or larval beetles with hardened, often colourful mottled elytra or a distinct beetle larval body form, clearly different in shape and movement from the soft, legless fly maggots they are feeding on.
Related terms
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- Silphidae
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- Staphylinidae
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