Estimation of Postmortem Interval Based on Colony Development Time for Anoplolepsis longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The postmortem interval for a set of human remains discovered inside a metal tool box was estimated using the development time required for a stratiomyid fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), Hermetia illucens, in combination with the time required to establish a colony of the ant Anoplolepsis longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) capable of producing alate (winged) reproductives. This analysis resulted in a postmortem interval estimate of 14 + months, with a period of 14–18 months being the most probable time interval. The victim had been missing for approximately 18 months.