International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Hassane Dao, Louis R Nondenot Aboua, Alexandre F Koffi, Komi Agboka, Yalamoussa TUO, Yapibié Yapo EC Epouse-Kpama

Abstract
The colonization of a corpse by insects and its degradation are two interrelated phenomena. These are influenced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors to corpses. The most important factor is the biogeo-climatic zone, where the body is found. Its accessibility to insects can influence the cadaverous rate of decomposition. The objective of this work is to highlight the influence of the habitat type on the insects’ activities in the process of decomposition of a corpse exposed to the open environment. This work took place in Korhogo, a town in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. Twelve pigs’ carcass weighing 50 kg were used as bait in cages, exposing them in sunny and shady site. The follow-up of the corpses was carried out during 119 days. The necrophagous insects were collected from the cadavers and identified with the determination key. A total of 6872 specimens were collected of which 86.9% belong to the Diptera order and 13.1% to the Coleoptera order. On the sunny site, 3858 individuals of Diptera whether 60.65% belonging to 13 species and 3 families and on the shady site 2114 individuals whether 35.40% belonging to 11 species, were harvested. The Chrysomya albiceps was more abundant on the sunny site than on the shady site. The beetles collected on the sunny and shady sites were respectively 608 specimens whether 67.57% belonging to 7 species and 4 families and 292 specimens whether 32.44% belonging to 6 species and 4 families. The Dermestes maculatus was more abundant on the sunny site than on the shady site. Throughout the period of the experiment, the carcasses of the sunny and shady sites were respectively degraded by insects at 85.40% and 70.97%. At the end of this study, we noticed that the sunny site was richer in individuals than in species than the shady site. Exposed pig carcasses break down 1.20 times faster at the sunny site than at the shady site during the dry season in the sub-sudanese zone of Côte d'Ivoire.