The dry phase of decomposition

29 June 2007: During this period of very slow decomposition, we do have occasional colorful visitors as shown in the photo above. This is a question mark, a type of brush-footed butterfly (family Nymphalidae). Butterflies and moths visit every so often to sip on the moisture present on or in some parts of the carcass. These liquids are going to be rich in nutrients, and help insects we normally associate with plant pollination develop energy and nutrient reserves to aid with movement and egg production.

We have witnessed and recorded a shift in the fly fauna. The dominant taxon present is the sepsid fly Nemopoda nitidula. Not much is known about this fly, although it has been associated with carrion in the past. I have taken it in carrion-baited traps, and reared it from maggots on a dead bat in a cave. Their value as a forensic indicator is presently unknown.