Skeletonisation Stage
Definition
The decomposition stage at which all soft tissue has been consumed and only mineralised bone, cartilage, and possibly dry skin or hair remain. Dermestidae, some moth larvae, and certain mites are the primary colonisers at this stage.
- Tissue remaining
- Mineralised bone, cartilage, sometimes dry skin or hair
- Primary colonisers
- Dermestidae beetles, some moth larvae, certain mites
- Position in sequence
- Final stage of gross decomposition
Common questions
Why do dermestid beetles dominate at this stage?+
They specialise in feeding on dry, keratinous tissue, hide, and hair left once moisture-dependent species like blowflies have exhausted the soft tissue, making them the characteristic late-stage colonisers.
Does skeletonisation mean decomposition activity has ended?+
No, weathering of exposed bone and continued activity from hair or keratin specialists can persist well after soft tissue is gone, and the remains keep changing over time.
Related terms
- Cleridae
- Checkered beetles. Arrive at remains to feed on other insects, particularly fly larvae and small beetles. They are secondary predators and their...
- Dermestidae
- The skin beetles. Oval, hairy or scaly-bodied beetles whose larvae feed on dry keratin-rich material: skin, hair, feathers, and dried muscle. They...
- Phoresy
- The use of another organism as transport without parasitism. Gamasid mites attach to fly puparia or adult flies and ride to new...
- Silphidae
- Carrion beetles. Arrive during active to advanced decay. Nicrophorus (burying beetles) provision small carcasses for their larvae; Silpha species scavenge larger remains....
- Staphylinidae
- Rove beetles. Recognised by their short elytra (wing covers) leaving the abdomen largely exposed. At carrion scenes, many are predatory on fly...