Insects and death

[dkellis]

Can insects tell how long a body is dead?

[andy hughes]

Probably not in the sense of hours and minutes, but in terms of the various stages of decay. As soon as a body dies, various bacteria get to work, and various chemical reactions follow. These will give or a variety of gasses and scents, which appropriate insects will sense, and they will move in and commence eating and egg-laying (sorry if that's a bit graphic!) and as decomposition continues, so the next stage of insects will appear as the gradual breakdown of tissue is completed.

[SMILL48]

To see a previous answer on this subject, click here question 6305