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.
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...
Explained in
- Beetles and Other Insects of Forensic ImportanceThe decomposition stage at which all soft tissue has been consumed and only mineralised bone, cartilage, and possibly dry skin or hair remain. Dermestidae, som...