Seasonal and Microseral Variations in the Insect Populations on Carrion

摘要: Microseral and seasonal variations in the carrion insect microcommunity were examined 39 small-mammal carcasses a red oak-basswood-sugar maple forest Illinois from June 1968 through October 1969. Four stages of decomposition described for carcasses: Fresh, Bloat, Decay Dry. These are result activity arthropods, especially insects. orders arthropods (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera Acarina) accounted over 90% organisms associated with carrion. The successional pattern these on carcass is discussed. Each major families found was represented by few common species. Even though followed fairly regular pattern, species involved within given family depended upon season year. specific times abundance INTRODUCTION When community die, their remains form an important habitat. Such habitat its may be referred to as (Allee et at., 1949). Successional patterns occur overall seral sequence called microsere (Mohr, 1943). This or can usually divided into series definable which microseral Microcommunities eventually lose identity during last stage. this occurs, they become homogeneous part community. differentiation separating sere a!., Carrion any terrestrial source food shelter many organisms. primarily insects play role return organic material Papers dealing succession include Fuller, 1934; Reed, 1958; Payne, 1965; Payne Crossley, 1966. paper will describe both basic changes populations members microcommunity. To understand fully ecology microcommunity, it not only study how change serally but also, 'how year (seasonally). MATERIALS AND METHODS conducted 30 1 November 1969 Carle Woods, DesPlaines, (Arlington Heights Quad.; R12E, T41N, NW1/4S9).