1. Initial Decay: 0-3 Days

2. Bacteria digest intestine then break out to surrounding organs Body’s enzymes assist with decomposition Blowflies & house flies lay eggs in open wounds and natural openings Fly life cycle: can hatch within 24 hrs, live for 2-3 weeks

3. Decomposition Fauna Bacteria recycle C, N, P

4. Blow Fly Calliphoridae

5. Flesh Flies Sarcophagidae

6. Life Cycle - eggs 250 eggs laid in 1 sitting Eggs hatch between 12 hrs to 2 days

7. Putrefaction: 4-10 days

8. Anaerobic bacteria produce gases causing the organism to bloat and attract insects. Maggot mass secrete digestive enzymes, spread bacteria, and tear tissues with their mouth hooks

9. Larva - maggots 1 st Instar 2 nd Instar 3 rd Instar

10. Posterior Spiracles

11. Black Putrefaction: 10-20 days

12. Bloated body collapses as bodily fluids drain Full grown maggots move to soil to pupate Many generations of maggots on body Exposed body is black in color

13. Pupa

14. Feed on Larvae Rove Beetles Hister Beetles Ham Beetles

15. Parasitic Wasps

16. Mites

17. Butyric Decomposition: 20-50 days

18. Body dries and has a cheesy smell Body touching ground becomes covered with mold Reduced soft tissue is palatable for beetles - feed on skin and ligaments

19. Feed on dried skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone Hide Beetle Carcass Beetles

20. Dry Decay: 50 days -1 year

21. The body is now dry and decays very slowly The hair will disappear leaving only the bones

22. Tineid Moths http:// www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KNUQ/2009/5/12/DailyHistory.html?req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA