Current Research
Because the Histeridae family can be found on carrion, they have proven to be important in certain forensic investigations. The predacious Hister beetles will feed on the various insects on the body, primarily Diptera. To estimate a person's time of death, forensic investigators must look at the insects on the body and determine time of colonization. If the Histeridae beetles are present, the investigator can assume that some of the other insects have been eaten by the Hister beetles. Due to their importance in forensic entomology, research is continually being conducted on this family's life cycle and development, their prevalence in specific locations, and their geographical distribution.
A recent study was conducted at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey. Forty species of Coleoptera, including the Hister beetles, were observed on twelve pig carcasses over a one year period. The beetles’ distribution and their time of colonization in the various decomposition stages over the year were examined and recorded.
Read more about this topic: Histeridae
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