Abstract

GARAMENDI, P.M.; LOPEZ-ALCARAZ, M.; MAZON, A.  and  RODRIGUEZ, J.. Post-mortal injuries by cadaveric fauna: The action of the ants on human corpses. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2008, n.52, pp.155-159. ISSN 1988-611X.

Post-mortem animal predation can lead to errors when interpreting forensic autopsy findings. Ants are the only insects that can attack human corpses after death and before decomposition process starts. Ants produce post mortal injuries in the skin that have a distinct location and morphology. We present a forensic case in which post mortal injuries produced by ants in a human corpse had a typical morphology; however their location and extension were unusual.

Keywords : Ants; post mortem animal predation; skin; forensic autopsy.

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